“I wanted to change my life,” the ex-gang member said. The teenager’s name has been withheld at the request of prosecutors to protect his identity.

After quitting the gang, the victim said he was jumped by the 19-year-old defendant, Skyylr Hamilton, and two other gang members in front of his residence near Aviation Road in Fallbrook. Several weeks later on July 4, 2009, Hamilton and the victim fought again, but that time the victim got the better of Hamilton.

Then, on Sept. 28, 2009, as the ex-gang member walked home, he testified he encountered Hamilton and another gang member, prompting their third and final round of fights. As the former Fallbrook High students squared up, Hamilton pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim twice in the stomach rupturing his intestine, the teenager testified.

“I saw all my stuff coming out of my stomach,” the victim said.

Hamilton is charged with attempted murder with a weapon and gang allegations attached to the charge as well as several assault and weapons charges relating to the stabbing. He faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted.

The trial is expected to run two weeks.

No related posts.

Brandon Espinoza, 19, of Montebello; Aaron Salinas, 19, of Whittier; Viana Arevalo, 20, of Whittier; and a juvenile male whose name was not released were all taken into custody following the incident which began to unfold about 6:45 p.m. on Pacific Coast Highway at 7th Street.

According to a police report, the 25-year old victim was crossing Pacific Coast Highway and, as he reached the north side of the street, was confronted by the four subjects as they drove by in a silver Infinity. A verbal clash ensued, the Infinity coming to a stop and the four occupants emerging to attack the lone pedestrian.

During the physical altercation that followed, the victim was stabbed several times and some of his possessions were stolen. The four suspects then got back into the Infinity and took off westbound.

Huntington Beach police were able to identify and locate the vehicle a few miles north as it continued down Pacific Coast Highway past Bolsa Chica State Beach. Attempts by officers to pull the car over initially failed as the suspects made an effort to escape, turning northbound up Warner Avenue.

The pursuit was short-lived, however, as the driver soon pulled over and the four suspects were taken into custody.

Espinoza faces charges of robbery and assault with a deadly weapon; Salinas was arrested for suspicion of robbery and evading; and Arelalo suspicion of robbery. Any charges against the male juvenile were unavailable and the investigation is ongoing.

Despite reports that he had been stabbed and suffered other lacerations, the victim declined any medical treatment at the scene.

No related posts.