Oakland gang member sentenced in S.F. killing

Oakland gang member sentenced in S.F. killing
Marisa Lagos, Chronicle Staff Writer

(04-06) 18:50 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- A San Francisco judge Wednesday sentenced an Oakland gang member to 40 years to life in prison for killing a neighbor in front of the victim's family in 2005, prosecutors said.

A jury found Nelson Barrera guilty of second-degree murder, carrying a concealed firearm, carrying a loaded firearm and intentionally discharging a gun resulting in death on March 15.

Judge Jerome Benson handed down the 40-years to life sentence, according to the office of District Attorney George Gascón.

The shooting occurred on Dec. 6, 2005, on the 1300 block of Hampshire Street. Prosecutors said the victim, 21-year-old Robert Mariano, was shot repeatedly after yelling at Barrera's girlfriend "about the dangers of bringing gang members to the area." Barrera, who was 26 at the time of the slaying, is a member of the Sureño gang, according to Gascón's office.

"The victim in this case, Robert Mariano, was shot repeatedly in front of his mother and sister because this killer thought his gang was being disrespected," Gascón said in a written statement. "This sentence makes our community safer by keeping this violent criminal off the streets and making clear the consequences of such a senseless act of violence."

Barrera, who was previously convicted for possession of a firearm, was arrested in Los Angeles about six weeks after the killing. Prosecutors said he was found "in a gang vehicle with a list of gang members in his wallet," and "had gang tattoos, jewelry and clothing indicative of his gang affiliation."

E-mail Marisa Lagos at@sfchronicle.com.
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