Trial to begin for California man accused of killing acquaintance who didn’t like his singing
By APWednesday, June 9, 2010
Prosecutors: Man killed over fight about singing
SANTA ANA, Calif. — Trial is set to begin Thursday in Santa Ana, Calif., for a man accused of stabbing to death an acquaintance who didn’t like his singing.
Julian Sermano is charged with one felony count of murder, one felony count of aggravated assault and a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon.
Prosecutors say Sermano and two other men had been drinking and singing together at an Orange County park in 2007 when the three got into an argument.
A fight broke out when the victim, Blas Gutierrez, allegedly suggested he was a better singer than Sermano.
Prosecutors say Sermano chased Gutierrez and repeatedly stabbed him with a knife. Gutierrez was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Sermano faces 26 years to life in prison if convicted.
Information from: The Orange County Register, www.ocregister.com