Jury Recommends Death Penalty for Convicted Murder
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A 12-member jury deliberated about 4 hours before recommending the death sentence for convicted murderer and known gang member, Emilio Avalos. Video by kmir6.com
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INDIO--Emilio Manuel Avalos, the Desert Hot Springs gang member charged with multiple murders has been sentenced to death.
The 12-person jury deliberated less than a day before recommending the death sentence for West Drive Locos leader.
A stoic Emilio Avalos listened as his fate was sealed. The jury recommending the death penalty for the convicted murderer.
"Well I'm thrilled," Cpl. Henry Lozano's mother Donna said. "I didn't know I believed in the death penalty but I loved hearing the word death."
It's news parents of those slain by Avalos have been waiting years for.
"Its been a sentence for us since our son was murdered and 11 years for his sentencing, it's a long time," Lozano said.
Donna's son, 20-year-old Marine Corporal Henry Lozano was murdered by Avalos in 2001.
Avalos is also convicted of slaying 17-year-old Jahi Collins in 1994. That same attack left Collin's friend Bobby Wilson, paralyzed.
"Jahi has been dead longer than he was alive," Jahi's mother Glenda said. "I don't hate anybody. I hate that I lost my baby that I want so badly and was such a good son."
"This evil one says he likes to smoke people well he's going to get smoked, his time is coming," Henry Lozano Sr. said.
The death penalty recommendation is a victory for the victims families, who say justice has finally been served.
The judge has to make the final decision on whether or not Avalos will be sentenced to death. That will happen on January 25.
--Adrianna Weingold
aweingold@kmir6.com
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