Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 08/27/2009

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Terry Menshek - (707) 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Diana Gomez

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

GUILTY VERDICT ON ATTEMPTED MURDER AND POSSESSION OF STOLEN FIREARM

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that on August 25th, a Sonoma County jury found Angelo Michael Garcia guilty of attempted premeditated murder and possession of a stolen firearm. Garcia, a previously admitted Norteno criminal street-gang-member, was arrested for the shooting of Alberto Aparicio on Beachwood Drive in the city of Santa Rosa on March 14, 2008. Aparicio was shot once through the chest, but the bullet fragments penetrated his heart and liver. He survived after undergoing emergency surgery at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. In addition to the convictions for attempted murder and possession of stolen firearm, the jury found true an allegation that Garcia discharged the firearm causing great bodily injury.

District Attorney Passalacqua said, “All residents of Sonoma County are entitled to a safe community, free from violent and reckless actions such as this crime. It is fortunate that no one else was injured in the commission of this crime. The jury’s guilty verdict sends a strong message to those who choose to commit violent acts and at the same time demonstrates that, as a community, we will not tolerate such behavior."

Sentencing is set for September 17th at 9:00 a.m. before the Honorable Julie Conger. Garcia faces a sentence of 32 years-and-8-months to life in prison. The prosecution was led by Deputy District Attorney Brian A. Staebell. District Attorney Investigator Lisa Chapman assisted with the prosecution. The lead detective on the case was Detective Eric Swift of the Santa Rosa Police Department.