Adult Time for Adult Crimes: Gang Member Andres Contreras

Cully Stimson / October 19, 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: Andres Contreras, aged 16.
Victims: Anthony Castro, Alejandro Salazar and Pedro Flores.
Crimes: Murder and eight other crimes.
Crime date: March 27, 2005 in Tulare County, Calif.

Summary

During a two-day crime spree in 2005, Andres Contreras, a gang member, stole a car, attempted to murder one man in Earlimart, murdered another, and severely wounded a third man in Richgrove. He confessed to his crimes, and a jury found him guilty on all charges.

Facts

Andres Contreras was an admitted member of the Southern Gang (Mifa) of McFarland, California, in Kern County. The Southern Gang is known for crossing over the county line to attack rival gang members in Tulare County. (more…)