SACRAMENTO, CA - Three Norteno gang members are going to prison for life following convictions for second-degree murder, attempted murder, firearm and gang charges in a deadly drive-by shooting in Del Paso Heights last year.
Friday, Sacramento Superior Court Judge Cheryl Chun Meegan sentenced the driver, Jesse Cornejo, to 130 years to life in prison. Passengers Adam Cornejo and Isaac Vasquez each received sentences of 129 years, 4 months to life in prison.
According to the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office, Adam Cornejo and Vasquez were in an SUV with Jesse Cornejo on Jan. 19, 2011, when they opened fire on Deandre Ellison and four friends as the victims pulled up to Ellison's home on Carmel Avenue.
Ellison was shot in the back and died.
A passenger in Ellison's car returned fire. Sacramento police investigators reported finding more than 20 shell casings in the yard and street.
Per the court record, the Cornejos and Vasquez fled the scene. Sacramento police officers spotted the SUV and tried to pull it over. Instead, Jesse Cornejo sped off, leading officers on a high-speed pursuit. Cornejo crashed into several vehicles at the intersection of Del Paso Road and Natomas Boulevard. The trio ran from officers but were caught.
News10/KXTV