The California 2nd District Court of Appeal has upheld the first-degree murder conviction of Bryan Gallegos for the killing of Armando Amaya Jr. on Terminal Island.
At a Glance
- A state appeals court panel upheld a Carson resident’s conviction for a murder caught on surveillance video on Terminal Island.
- The conviction was for the first-degree murder of Armando Amaya Jr., 21, of San Pedro, on September 4, 2016.
- The defense argued there was insufficient evidence of premeditation and deliberation, seeking to reduce the conviction to second-degree murder.
- The appellate court found substantial evidence indicating the defendant acted with a jealous motive.
- Amaya was found dead on the 300 block of Hanjin Road in the Terminal Island area.
Background and Case Details
The California 2nd District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles has upheld the first-degree murder conviction of Bryan Gallegos. The conviction stems from the killing of Armando Amaya Jr. on September 4, 2016, on Terminal Island. Surveillance footage played a crucial role in proving Gallegos’ guilt, showing his actions and corroborating evidence of his jealous motive.
Gallegos was found guilty of not just premeditated murder, but also assault with a deadly weapon. The assault charge arose from an incident in which he rammed a police vehicle during a pursuit. This combination of charges has resulted in a sentence of 53 years to life in prison.
Defense and Court’s Rejection
The defense argued during the appeals process that there was insufficient evidence to prove premeditation and deliberation, which should reduce the conviction to second-degree murder. However, the appellate court found substantial evidence indicating Gallegos acted with jealousy. This was supported by his actions leading up to the shooting, which involved trailing his ex-girlfriend’s car and bringing a gun to a Long Beach business.
The court noted that Gallegos’ claim that the shooting was accidental lacked any supporting evidence. This claim was thoroughly examined alongside the surveillance footage and other trial evidence, but proved inconsistent with the facts presented. Hence, the court upheld the original first-degree murder conviction.
Implications and Sentencing
Gallegos’ sentencing reflects the severity of his crimes, with the court imposing a 53-year-to-life prison term. This outcome underscores the importance of premeditative factors and credible evidence in criminal cases, particularly when countering defense strategies aimed at reducing charges.
It’s important for the public to see that justice has been served, especially in instances involving heinous crimes such as these. The court’s ruling reinforces confidence in the judicial system’s ability to uphold the law and deliver fair judgments based on substantial evidence.
