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2nd alleged gang member charged in veteran's death
Army veteran Francisco Garcia
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A second alleged gang member has been charged in the killing of 21-year-old veteran Francisco Garcia in Sylmar, who was killed at a homecoming party after returning from military service.
Jerry Carmona, 26, faces counts of murder and attempted murder, according to a press release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. The killing was allegedly committed on behalf of a gang.
Carmona pleaded not guilty to the charges Monday, according to the press release. Vincent Estrada, 18, was previously charged in the case on counts of murder, attempted murder, and discharge of firearm with gross negligence.
Garcia was shot and killed on Nov. 9 near Sylmar High School after a party he'd been attending, organized by his girlfriend, moved up the street, according to police. The L.A. Police Department originally said that Garcia had served in Afghanistan, but according to a U.S. Army spokesperson, that information was incorrect. The authorities had been told Garcia was returning from Afghanistan by his girlfriend, according to the L.A. Times.
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Both Carmona and Estrada have a preliminary hearing Dec. 18 in L.A. County Superior Court, according to the press release. They face a maximum sentence of life in prison. Their bail is set at more than $2 million.
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