Peter Soto, 24, and his brother Paul Soto, 22, pleaded guilty in San Bernardino Superior Court on Friday to the shooting death of 48-year-old Ricky Dean Davis. Their pleas come just days before their trial was set to begin.
Peter Soto pleaded degree to first degree murder and will be sentenced to 29 years to life in prison. Paul Soto pleaded guilty to manslaughter and will be sentenced to seven years.
On Saturday, May 3, 2008, police received reports of a shooting at Jennie Davis Park at the corner of New York Street and Redlands Boulevard at about 1:30 p.m. Responding officers found Davis killed by a shotgun blast.
According to witnesses, Davis was shot following a verbal confrontation with two men. Investigators said the argument was sparked over Davis' dog running loose in the park.
Authorities said Peter Soto thought Davis had "disrespected" him in front of his brother and 7-month-old daughter. He and Paul Soto retrieved a shotgun and returned to the park to confront Davis.
Police said Paul Soto confronted Davis with a knife and Peter Soto then shot Davis in the head. After the shooting, the men fled through the park and down New York Street to their apartment.
Authorities were able to track them down, and a brief standoff ensued before the men surrendered.
The jury for the case was selected Thursday and the trial was set to begin Tuesday.
