Los Angeles gang member sentenced to 93 years to life in shooting death of 4-year-old boy
By APThursday, March 18, 2010
Gang member gets 93 years to life in child killing
LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles gang member who was on parole has been sentenced to 93 years to life in prison for killing a 4-year-old boy.
Howard Astorga had been convicted of killing Robert Lopez Jr. in January 2009 as he walked in the park. Prosecutors say Astorga was with fellow gang members when he shot at a passing car and a stray bullet struck the boy.
A judge on Thursday told Astorga he has to live the rest of his life knowing he murdered a child.
Robert’s mother told the court her family’s life had changed completely since the killing and she’s too afraid to let her children play outside.
Astorga, who has his gang’s name tattooed on the side of his head, was convicted on Feb. 8 of first-degree murder and shooting at an occupied motor vehicle.
