The alleged gunman in the Jesus Avila murder has pleaded no contest as part of an agreement announced Monday in Lyon County District Court.
Samuel Garcia pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, as well as conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery. Chief Judge Jeff Larson then found Garcia guilty of all three counts. Sentencing is at 1:15 pm Aug. 9.
Prosecutors are seeking at least 30 years in prison for Garcia.
Garcia was originally charged with 11 counts, including first-degree murder. The complaint was amended to include six of the initial 11 counts, including theft, arson and interference with law enforcement.
Garcia and five other co-defendants were charged in the 2017 murder of Avila just southeast of Emporia. Four co-defendants are awaiting hearings in their respective cases. Andrew Granado and Jovan Pecina have status hearings May 24. Jordy Cornejo-Campoverde has a status hearing June 1. Alan Alanis has a review hearing July 13. Another co-defendant, Armando Nunez, is in the middle of a 47-month sentence after pleading no contest last year to attempted burglary of a vehicle with intent to steal a firearm, interference with law enforcement and criminal damage.
