Accused Gang Killer to Face Trial in Napa

The fifth and final suspect in Napa's fatal gang shooting of Dec. 8, 2007, is behind bars at the , being held on $5 million bail.

Jamie Pena Jr., 25, was extradited from his home country, Mexico, and returned to Napa on Wednesday.

Pena fled the U.S. after a street gang fight between two rival gangs escalated, resulting in the death of Ricardo Gonzales, 19. He was shot in the head on Laurel Streer and died a few days later in the hospital.

According to Napa police, Gonzales was a gang member.

The Napa County District Attorney’s Office, along with federal investigators located Pena in Mexico, said deputy district Bryan Tong, who is prosecuting the case.

Pena is charged with the murder of Gonzalez and special allegations of street gang terrorism and other enhancements, Tong added.

Also arrested, a short time after the murder, and charged with the killing of Gonzalez was Stephen Barrios, then 19, Raymond Almodovar, then 18, Daniel Ortega, then,19 and Christian Gallegos, then,18. All of the suspects have been charged as adults.

In 2008, Gallegos struck a plea bargain with the district attorney in exchange for his testimony.

Pena’s Wednesday arraignment was continued to March 2, because the public defender representing Pena told the court there was a huge amount of reports and evidence that needed to be reviewed.

Along with Pena, Barrios and Ortega are being held in the jail. Barrios and Ortega's bails are set at $5 million each.

The trial for the three of them is set for June 13. If convicted, they face the possibility of life in prison.

Almodovar has also entered a guilty plea with the district attorney. He will not be charged with murder.

The night of the shooting, Gonzalez went to a quinceanera party in Napa. The chain of events started after the party when Pena, Ortega, Gallegos, Almodovar  were driving in a van along with other gang members and spotted Gonzalez driving in northwest Napa.

Ortega, who was at the wheel of the van, followed Gonzalez toward Laurel Street where the shooting occurred in the 2500 block. Gonzalez was stuck by a bullet and collapsed. Ortega’s van fled the scene, leaving the victim lying in the street, according to court documents.

Gallegos testified they drove toward the Napa River where Ortega got out of the vehicle and threw a gun into the water.

Gonzalez’s mother Rosa Vargas told the press that at the time of her son’s death, he was tying to get out of gangs and turn his life around.