Adult Time for Adult Crime: David Garcia

Cully Stimson / October 21, 2009

On November 9th, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments challenging the constitutionality of juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) sentences. In preparation for oral arguments, JLWOP: Faces & Cases will be an on-going series on The Foundry that will tell real stories about juvenile offenders who are currently serving LWOP sentences.

Defendant: David Garcia (17)
Victims: Fernando Barrera (murdered), Rigoberto Martinez (attempted murder), Isidrio Martinez (attempted murder), Manuel Chavez (attempted murder)
Crimes: Murder with special circumstances and other charges
Crime date: May 19, 2006 in Poplar, California (Tulare County)

Summary
Attempting to murder members of a rival gang, David Garcia shot and killed a member of his own.

Facts
David Garcia was an active member of the Northern Gang. On May 19, 2006, he and several fellow gang members drove past a residence that they suspected housed members of the rival Southern gang. Their suspicion was confirmed when they spotted Southern gang members and exchanged gang slurs with them. The Southern gang members, fearing an ambush, threw bottles at the vehicle. Garcia and his friends drove down the street, exited the car, and picked up some rocks. They then drove back toward the house and threw rocks at the Southern gang members. (more…)