Thread: TX-Barrio Azteca gang member gets 32 years in slaying

Barrio Azteca gang member gets 32 years in slaying

By Daniel Borunda / El Paso Times
Posted: 04/03/2009 12:00:00 AM MDT


El PASO -- A Barrio Azteca gang soldier was sentenced Thursday to 32 years in federal prison for killing a reputed drug dealer.
Adam Muñoz, 28, of Canutillo, pleaded guilty in October to murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy and being part of a corrupt organization. He faced up to life in prison before his plea bargain.

Muñoz, accompanied by two gang associates, fatally shot Jose Luis Oviedo, 24 in December 2006 during an argument about "quotas" owed to the gang from the sale of crack, powder cocaine and heroin from Oviedo's apartment on Frutas Street.

Muñoz, sporting a shaved head and tattoos on the back of his head and neck, apologized in court. He said he wanted to become a good example for his son, born while he was in jail.

"Nothing can justify my actions," Muñoz told U.S. District Judge David Briones.

Muñoz's parents and sister sobbed quietly as he spoke.

His lawyer, Miguel A. "Mike" Torres, had sought the minimum sentence of 25 years, saying his client should be released in his early 50s with a chance for redemption.

"He got involved in street gangs at a very young age, judge, and unfortunately it escalated," Torres said. "He may be one of the smartest clients I have had."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Luis Acosta recommended a sentence of 40 years because Muñoz, while in jail, has carried out calentadas, or assaults, ordered by the Barrio Azteca, which has a military hierarchy. His lawyer said those were simply fights.

Court documents filed by Acosta requesting the longer sentence also stated that Muñoz, nicknamed "Serio" because of his quiet nature, refused to talk to law enforcement and continued to communicate with the gang.
In one example on Sept. 6, 2007, Muñoz attacked an inmate by head-butting him multiple times in the face. Muñoz was in shackles and being escorted to an elevator by El Paso County Jail detention officers, the document stated. The bloodied inmate told jailers Muñoz attacked him because he had a "green light," a hit authorized by the gang.

"Mr. Muñoz remains a loyal BA 'soldier,' " the document stated.

Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com; 546-6102.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_12059367? ... ost_viewed

This guy got caught most do not, however, this is the kind of scum that our Gov't wants to Amnesty into our country!