A state appeals court panel has upheld the convictions of three men for the shooting death of a man who had allegedly conspired with one of the trio to rob a body-shop owner in Long Beach.
In a 49-page ruling released Wednesday, the three-justice panel from California’s 2nd District Court of Appeal found there was “overwhelming” evidence against Luis Orozco, Shawn Verrette and Frank Ervin.
The three were convicted of first-degree murder for the Aug. 9, 2010, killing of Franklin Robles, along with one count each of second-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Jurors also found true a special circumstance allegation of murder during the commission of a robbery.
The victim, Franklin Robles, conspired with Orozco to rob a body-shop owner in Long Beach, but Orozco instead plotted with Ervin and Verrette to rob and kill Robles, according to Deputy District Attorney Karen Brako.
Robles arrived at the body shop Aug. 9, 2010, and waited for Orozco, but Verrette and Ervin appeared at the site, got out of their vehicle and fatally shot Robles, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.
After the killing, Orozco, Verrette and Ervin went to Robles’ home and stole his property, according to the prosecutor.
The three were arrested in 2011. They were each sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in July 2016.