This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Former 204 Street gang member Ernesto Alcarez convicted in 2006 murder of Cheryl Green
FBI Director Robert Mueller during a news conference announcing anti-gang measures after the murder of Cheryl Green, Thursday Jan. 18, 2007 in Wilmington, Calif. Authorities announced an offensive against the Hispanic gang allegedly behind the racially charged shooting, the first part of what they said will be a major crackdown on street gangs this year. In the background photos of the 204th Street gang graffiti.
(
AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes
)
Listen
0:54
Former 204 Street gang member Ernesto Alcarez convicted in 2006 murder of Cheryl Green
A Los Angeles jury Thursday convicted a man of second-degree murder in a racially-motivated killing of a 14 year-old African American girl five years ago.
Cheryl Green's murder attracted national attention, including a visit by then-FBI Director Robert Mueller.
She was standing with friends in her Harbor Gateway neighborhood when members of the mostly Latino 204th Street gang walked up and shot into the crowd. Prosecutors said that the gang targeted African Americans as they moved into the neighborhood, and that the shooting was an act of racial hatred. Four men have been convicted in the case.
In the final trial associated with Green’s murder, jurors convicted 25 year-old Ernesto Alcarez of second degree murder. Prosecutors said he acted as a lookout for the shooter.
In Harbor Gateway, LAPD officials say they’ve since all but eliminated the tiny 204th Street gang. A Cheryl Green Community Youth Center built after her murder seeks to provide a place where kids of all racial backgrounds can play and learn.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
