A member of the Gardena 13 street gang was sentenced Dec. 13 to life in federal prison for murdering a 29-year-old man in front of the victim’s family home, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California.
Justin Arteaga, 24, also known as “Hitta,” of Gardena, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge André Birotte Jr., who also ordered Arteaga to pay $37,554 in restitution, the department stated.
“This defendant senselessly took a promising young life and will now spend the rest of his days in federal prison,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said.
“Gang violence brings devastation to our most vulnerable communities and immeasurable pain to hard-working families.”
On Nov. 13, 2020, according to the department, the victim and his brother were seated in a parked car in front of their home when they were confronted by three armed men on foot: Arteaga, Antonio Yanez, 26, also known as “Tank,” and George Hernandez, also known as “Lil Vampy.”
After the victim allegedly disrespected Gardena 13 and the assailants, all three men pulled out guns and began shooting at him, the department stated.