Four Charged in Fatal Shooting of Pico Rivera Woman

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August 17, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Joe Scott, Director of Communications
Sandi Gibbons, Public Information Officer
Jane Robison, News Secretary
(213) 974-3525

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WHITTIER – Four people were charged today with murder and other charges in the Aug. 10 fatal shooting of a woman who interrupted someone spraying graffiti on a wall, the District Attorney’s office announced.

Angel Chris Rojas, 16 (dob 10-30-90), is the alleged shooter who fired into a car driven by Maria Hicks, striking and killing her, said Deputy District Attorney Mike Enomoto with the Hardcore Gang Division.

Rojas is charged in case No. VA102116 along with Cesar Lopez, 19 (dob 11-25-87); Jennifer Ann Tafolla (CQ), 19 (dob 1-3-88); and Richard Daniel Rolon, 21 (dob 7-10-86). The four are each charged with one count of murder, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, conspiracy and street terrorism. In addition, Rojas is charged with one felony count of unlawful firearm activity and the special allegation that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm. All four also are charged with the special allegation that they committed the murder to further a criminal street gang.

Rojas, Lopez and Tafolla are scheduled to be arraigned sometime after 1:30 p.m. in Whittier Superior Court, Div. 1. All three are being held on $4 million bail each.

Rolon is not in custody, and an arrest warrant has been issued for him.

Hicks was shot about 10 p.m. Friday after she flashed her vehicle
lights and honked her horn at a someone she saw painting graffiti on a wall at San Gabriel River Parkway and Woodford Street. Rojas, who allegedly was waiting in a car with accomplices, jumped out and opened fire, striking and killing Hicks.

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