Having the day off yesterday, I wasn't able report on the verdict in the murder trial of Patrick Macon, Marsean Macon, and Norris Crawford, the three men charged with killing an admitted Westside gang member in Feb. 2007.
It clearly was a victory for the defense, with none of the three defendants being convicted on the murder and attempted murder and gang enhancement charges that they faced.
Edward Griffin, 18, was shot in the head as he drove his car in the area of 9th Street and Medical Center Drive. Another man in his car was wounded.
The defendants were arrested within minutes, with the aid of San Bernardino police's soon-to-be defunct helicopter.
Patrick Macon, described by prosecutors as a feared gang member connected to several other homicides, was found with a bulletproof vest. His cousin, Marsean, was driving the car. Crawford was alleged to have been with them and involved in the slaying in support of another area gang.
But their defense attorneys painted a picture of three men who weren't gang members, but rather people acting in self defense. They said that Griffin had placed past threats on Patrick Macon's life and was intent on shooting him that night. Griffin was found with a handgun in his car, police have said.
So on Monday, Patrick Macon, 28, was found guilty of the reduced charge of manslaughter, and jurors rejected the special allegation that he committed the crime to support a street gang.
A murder conviction with the gang allegation could have meant life in prison. Now, Macon could face far less time when he returns for sentencing on Oct. 6.
His cousin, Marsean Macon, 35, was acquitted of all charges. His attorney described him as only having given his cousin and friend a ride that day; as a family man who had moved to Riverside and who was not a part of the gang life.
Jurors deadlocked on the charges against Crawford, 29. A mistrial was declared and Crawford will return to court on Oct. 3, but likely won't face a new trial anytime before December.
With that came the close of an intriguing 17-day trial that gave glimpses into life on San Bernardino's Westside during the turbulent, violent times of 2006 and early 2007. The exploits of Griffin and Keith Slaughter Jr. were recounted, as well as the Macons' reputation, both from the side of prosecutors and a defense witness with a high-profile.
Stay tuned for more.
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