Santa Ana, California – A 25-year-old man from Santa Ana was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for a gang-related fatal shooting that occurred six years ago outside an apartment complex in Santa Ana. Alexis Ascencion was convicted of first-degree murder and participating in gang activity, with special circumstances of gang activity and sentencing enhancements for discharge of a gun causing death.
The victim, 36-year-old Mariano Labra Ramos, lost his life on December 1, 2017, when Ascencion mistakenly identified him as a rival gang member. The judge, Orange County Superior Court Judge Richard King, emphasized the senselessness and brutality of the attack as he handed down the life sentence without the possibility of parole.
King expressed his disgust at Ascencion’s actions, highlighting how the victim, Ramos, had no gang affiliations and was simply running errands to prepare dinner for his visually impaired wife. The judge noted the devastation caused by the loss of the main provider in the Ramos household, leaving his wife without her caregiver and partner.
In an attempt to showcase the strength of his gang, Ascencion targeted an innocent victim and committed a premeditated act of violence, King stated during the sentencing. The shooting, intended to instill fear and dominance, resulted in a tragic loss for the victim’s family.
The gravity of the situation was further emphasized when King added an additional 25 years to life in prison for Ascencion. The judge rejected a plea from Ascencion’s attorney to reduce the punishment by waiving a prior strike, underscoring the severity of the crime committed.
Co-defendant Felix Martinez Vargas, who had pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, is still awaiting his sentencing. The involvement of multiple individuals in the perpetration of this heinous crime underscores the destructive nature of gang affiliations and the consequences they bring upon communities.
As the legal proceedings continue, the tragic impact of gang violence on innocent lives remains at the forefront of the courtroom discussions. The hearing scheduled for June 28 to determine the possibility of restitution serves as a reminder of the long-lasting effects of violence and the responsibility of perpetrators to make amends for their actions.
The brutal killing of Mariano Labra Ramos serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of senseless violence and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the pursuit of justice continues to be a primary focus in ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents in Santa Ana.