A Monterey County jury found a 28-year-old Greenfield man guilty of first degree murder Friday for his role in killing his boss back in July of 2019.
The jury found Imeldo Ramirez Merino guilty of killing ranch supervisor Benito Godinez Canales on the morning of July 31, 2019. According to Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacion, Canales suspended Merino, a daytime irrigator at a ranch, the day before. Canales wrote up Merino several times for attendance issues.
The next morning, Merino and his little brother arrived at the King City ranch and waited for Canales to come to work. After Canales arrived, Merino walked up to his truck while Canales was checking a water pump. Merino then shot Canales eight times from the passenger side of the truck, killing him. "Immediately after the murder, Merino drove to a convenience store in Greenfield and treated himself and his brother to a celebratory coffee," according to the Pacion's office."Video surveillance captured them both laughing and smiling while they chose their coffees and snacks."Merino's conviction was enhanced because he killed Canales by lying in wait and with a firearm.
The jury also found Merino guilty of two counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling two months before the murder. According to Pacion, on the night of May 23, 2019, Merino fired several .45 caliber rounds in the direction of two houses where people lived who reportedly"had 'beef' with Merino's friend or owed the friend money. Merino fired from the passenger seat of his friend's car during the drive-by shootings.
Judge Rafael Vazquez presided over the murder trial and is expected to sentence Merino on Nov. 29. According to Pacion, based on the convictions and enhancements, Merino faces a state prison sentence of life without the possibility of parole.© 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.Please enter email address to continue
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Letter: Utah County voters: Save yourself grief and choose Candace Jacobson for county clerkLetter: 'Candace has worked elections for years and years. She will handle the job with complete fidelity. Vote smart. Write in Candace Jacobson.'
Read more »
Mobile County to reopen Escatawpa Hollow Park on FridayMobile County will reopen its new Escatawpa Hollow Park for free limited day use.
Read more »
Hidalgo's 2018 win stunned everyone. As GOP pressure mounts, she faces a fierce re-election bidHarris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has expanded the role of county government in pursuit of a progressive agenda, delighting liberals and generating intense backlash from conservatives who fundamentally oppose her vision.
Read more »
Florida sees surge in deadly bacterial infections post-Hurricane IanFlorida is reporting a surge in deadly infections caused by the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
Read more »
BREAKING: Paul Flores found guilty of first degree murder in Kristin Smart case; Ruben Flores found not guiltyA Monterey County jury found Paul Flores guilty of first degree murder, while Ruben Flores, Paul’s father, was found not guilty of accessory after the fact in connection with the
Read more »