Original Homies Gang Tapes Iraqi Cards Download Gang Articles Trace Tupac's Murder Some Gangs Get Sued

Pasadena Star-News Teen to stand trial for shooting Area boy faces attempted-murder charge By Gene Maddaus Staff Writer Thursday, December 04, 2003 - PASADENA -- A judge berated teenage witnesses and blamed movies and television for societal violence Thursday while ordering a 17-year-old South Pasadena youth to stand trial for attempted murder. David Melendez faces upward of 25 years to life in state prison if convicted of shooting 18-year- old Thomas Blasucci in the face during a post-prom party in La Canada Flintridge on May 25. At a preliminary hearing Thursday, two of Melendez's friends testified that they heard Melendez say "I think I shot somebody,' as they fled the scene. But the friends denied earlier statements to detectives that they had seen Melendez flash the gun before the shooting. Neither friend said they saw the shooting. Judge Judson W. Morris warned one witness, 18-year-old Kyle Banks, that he could get three years in prison for perjury. After the hearing, he called three teenagers back into the courtroom and called them all "idiots.' "You guys are exactly what's wrong with the world today,' Morris said, advising them that their testimony was "unadulterated hooey.' "To think there are people out there trying to kill Americans just because they're Americans, and you guys are out picking fights ...' the judge continued. "You guys aren't macho men. You're cowards.' The judge blamed "kung-fu movies' for leaving the impression that violence isn't real, and accused Melendez of being a poor marksman. "The only reason he's not facing a murder charge is he's too stupid to use a gun,' Morris said. The case shocked quiet La Canada Flintridge, where gang violence is all but unheard of and parents feel their kids will be safe at neighborhood parties. The fight on Greencrest Drive appeared to be provoked by rivalry between La Canada and South Pasadena high school students. Melendez's friend, Anthony Loiacono, testified that Melendez showed him the gun about 10 days before the shooting. Loiacono had heard rumors that Melendez was being followed. Loiacono said it was very difficult to testify against his friend, and admitted on the stand that he wanted to protect Melendez. Loiacono quoted Melendez as saying, after the shooting, that "it sucks that people out here have to open their mouth.' According to sheriff's detectives, the bullet hit Blasucci in the jaw, shattering his jawbone and one tooth. The jaw had to be wired shut. Blasucci said it felt like getting "hit in the face with a sledgehammer.' Melendez's defense attorney, Philip Nameth, argued that his client should face a lesser form of attempted murder. The judge disagreed, and ordered Melendez to stand trial as an adult on all three charges. Melendez will return to court Dec. 19. Gene Maddaus can be reached at (626) 578-6300, Ext. 4444, or by e-mail at gene.maddaus@sgvn.com. News Topics | Home | Research | History | Blood Gangs | Crip Gangs | People| Life in a Gang | Gallery | Iraqi Cards | Memorial | Migration | Graffiti | Resume| Injunctions Homicides | Maps | California Prisons | Contact

Copyright © Streetgangs.com, All RIGHTS RESERVED. Disclaimer
All trademarks mentioned herein belong to their respective owners.