Sentencing Phase Begins In Najera Murder Trial

INDIO -Jurors began hearing arguments, today, on whether Miguel Najera should be sentenced to death, or spend the rest of his life in prison for his role in the death of a Cathedral City man during a robbery.

The 28-year-old was convicted lastweek offirst-degree murder, robbery and being a felon in possession of a gun in the killing of 40-year-old Adrian Cedeno at a home on C Street in Cathedral City on May 28, 2006.

Deputy District Attorney Victoria Weiss said during closing arguments last week that Najera admitted to investigators that he shot Cedeno in the head. In the interview with an investigator, he denied being under the influence of methamphetamine, which the defendant’s attorney has claimed.

Weiss said that Najera robbed and shot Cedeno to gain credibility with his gang.

Najera’s attorney, Jeff Zimel, argued that his client was not an active gang member at the time of the shooting and that he did not rob Cedeno of his wallet and watch. He said his client had a history of drug use and was looking for methamphetamine, not someone to kill that night.

The attorney also argued that testimony from the coroner showed the victim was high on methamphetamine when he died. Zimel said that during a confrontation, Cedeno lunged toward the defendant, who accidentally pulled the trigger.