Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 02/01/2007

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine Cook

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

GANG MEMBERS CONVICTED IN STABBING AT HOUSE PARTY THEY CRASHED

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced that two Santa Rosa gang members were convicted of attempted murder in a gang related stabbing.

District Attorney Passalacqua was pleased with the convictions in this egregious assault, which has left the victim in a coma. “Our hearts go out to his family and we hope an end to this case will bring them some peace. Sadly, our community needs to be aware of the potential dangers of teens hosting parties where uninvited guests, including gang members, may not only crash the party but become violent with residents and guests. And, if circumstances warrant, summon the police immediately.”

On November 21, 2004, the victim was stabbed in the heart while attempting to eject a group of Norteno gang members from a house party at the host’s request. The gang members, numbering as many as ten, crashed the party earlier in the evening and beat up the host. Defendants Lawson and Mendoza armed themselves with kitchen knives and attacked the victim as he tried to get them to leave. The victim was stabbed four times, with one stab wound penetrating his heart and leading him to lapse into a coma.

On November 30, 2007, shortly before opening statements were to commence, John Steven Lawson pled guilty to attempted murder and admitted an enhancement that the crime was gang-related for an agreed upon 19 year prison sentence. Later that same day, Angel Mendoza pled guilty to attempted murder and admitted the gang allegation. Mendoza faces a potential 19 year prison sentence too when he is sentenced on March 1, 2007. Lawson will be sentenced March 21, 2007.

Deputy District Attorney Robert Waner handled the prosecution, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Ken Pistorio. Additional trial support was provided by Legal Assistant Dava Kohlman, Legal Secretary Jennifer Zunino and Information Specialist John Magsamen. Santa Rosa Police Sergeant Mike Lazzarini was the lead detective and Santa Rosa Police Detective Brenda Harrington was the gang expert on the case.