Gang Member Convicted Of Second Degree Murder

A Cathedral City gangster was convicted today of second- degree murder in the shooting death of his friend following a brawl at a gang party in Thousand Palms.

Daniel Karlson, a 33-year-old member of Barrio Cathedral City, originally faced a first-degree murder charge in the July 14, 2008, death of 27- year-old Johnny Godinez, who was also a member of the gang.

The jury also found true sentencing enhancements that Karlson used a gun and committed the shooting for the benefit of a criminal street gang.

He faces about 40 years to life in prison, with sentencing set for Dec. 3.

Godinez was found with gunshot wounds to his head and chest in the 73000 block of Del Norte Way.

Deputy District Attorney Victoria Weiss told jurors that Karlson was at a party with about 50 people when he started a fight with Godinez by throwing an alcoholic beverage in his face.

Godinez then punched Karlson, according to the prosecutor, who said the defendant — a senior member of the gang — felt disrespected when he was struck.

During the altercation, Karlson fired shots into the air and he was asked to leave, Weiss said. He left in his blue Nissan Altima driven by a 15- year-old boy, but they returned when Karlson realized he had left behind a friend, the prosecutor said.

Once back at the party, the victim approached Karlson’s vehicle and apologized, but Karlson turned him away.

As Godinez walked away, Karlson’s friend ran up to the vehicle and yelled, “Those fools jumped me. Give me the gun,” the prosecutor said. Istead, Karlson got out of the vehicle and took out his .357-caliber revolver, she said.

“He points the gun at Johnny Godinez … and he pulls the trigger multiple times,” the prosecutor said.

Karlson was arrested two days later after he got off a Greyhound bus in Arlington, Texas.

Defense attorney Denise Shaw argued that Karlson was good friends with Godinez and had no ill will toward him.

Testifying in his own defense, Karlson said he didn’t know where Godinez was when about 10 gangsters, including a senior member named Alex Torres, approached the car. Someone yelled, “Blast him,” and Karlson said he feared for his life.

“Next thing I know (Alex) pulled out a gun,” he said, ” … and that’s when I pull out my gun and return fire.”

Karlson testified the shots sparked a flurry of other shots at the same time, and he got into the car and fled.