Newhall Murder Suspect Faces Former Detective, Will Stand Trial

Posted by: KHTS FM 98.1 & AM 1220 in Santa Clarita News July 5, 2013 - 1:59 pm 0 954 Views

SAN FERNANDO – A Newhall man accused of stabbing another man to death in gang-related fight was ordered to stand trial Friday.

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“There is sufficient evidence to believe that the defendant is in violation of (murder charges), knife code violations and gang allegations,” said Judge Hayden Zacky.

Jeffrey Burrow, a former detective at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, testified Friday.

Cesar Navarro, 21, scowled at the courtroom as he came out. Navarro is suspected of being a member of the All Out Bombers, which was a factor in his murder of Franco Olea, 28, a member of the Newhall 13, detectives said.

Burrow specialized in gangs during his time as a detective, and was introduced as an expert in dealing with the AOBs.

In a field interview with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, Navarro allegedly admitted to being a member of the AOBs. A police field interview card revealed that Navarro, also known as Speedy, has an AOB tattoo on his upper left chest.

The AOBs and the Newhall 13 gangs have turf that overlaps in the Newhall area. Their rivalry resulted from a failed merger that took place more a year and half ago. Personal quarrels prevented the merger from taking place, according to Burrows

There are fights on a daily basis between the AOBs and the Newhall 13 that often go unreported, he said.

One of these altercations in December is what led to Olea’s death, he added.

Initial witnesses stated they heard a car’s alarm activate on the street, according to Lt. John Corina of the Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau.

When they went outside, the witnesses saw the victim fighting with another Hispanic male in the driveway of the residence. The suspect appeared to stab the victim and then left the location in an unknown direction.

Burrow confirmed that there have been more than 120 members active in the AOBs since their beginnings.

The AOBs’ primary activities include: robbery; assault; vandalism; auto theft and selling narcotics.

Navarro is being held in lieu of $1,070,000 bail at the Pitchess Detention Center.

He will be back in court on July 23.

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