Gang member gets 12 years in attempted murder

FULLERTON, Calif. Richard Robert Rodriguez, 18, of La Habra, pleaded guilty Friday to one felony count of attempted murder and sentencing enhancements for criminal street gang activity and causing great bodily injury, the /*Orange County District Attorney's Office*/ announced Monday.

Prosecutors said Rodriguez stabbed the victim on the campus of /*Sonora High School*/ in La Habra on the morning of Sept. 8, 2009. Rodriguez was not a student at that school but the victim is identified as a member of a rival gang.

Investigators said the two began staring at each other, flashing gang hand signs and making aggressive comments.

A fight broke out during which Rodriguez stabbed the victim on the right side of the head and the left shoulder blade.

The victim was taken to a hospital. He has since recovered.

Copyright © 2024 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.