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Man Bludgeoned Roommate to Death With Sledge Hammer Because He Thought Victim Was Too Bossy
Luis Rosales Rivera (OC DA's Office)
An Orange County man has been sentenced to 26 years to life in prison for the 2008 killing of his roommate, a 63-year-old man bludgeoned to death in his sleep. Luis Rosales Rivera, 59, murdered his victim, Miguel Delacruz, because he thought he was "too bossy."Rivera was convicted for the murder in October. Today's sentencing came with an enhancement for use of a deadly weapon, according to City News Service.
Orange County Superior Court Judge Steven Bromberg said it was clear "the defendant planned this crime," adding that the victim was "particularly vulnerable because he was murdered while he slept.''
The victim and his killer made a home of a converted garage in Stanton with a third roommate. The killing took place at around 9 p.m. the night of March 26, 2008, when Rivera returned home, "took a 4-pound sledge hammer and slammed it over the sleeping victim's head at least three times," according to prosecutors. "Rivera didn't like Delacruz because he thought his roommate was bossy and disrespectful and made him clean the bathroom," and he also gave Rivera restrictions on how much television he could watch.
Rivera reportedly told police he would commit the crime again if given the opportunity.
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