One-time suspect in fatal shooting of boy sentenced to jail in beating case
A man arrested earlier this year – but never charged – in the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old boy was sentenced Thursday to nine months in county jail, in a separate case.
Prosecutors say Carlos Maldonado, 19, instigated the beating of a 14-year-old boy last October and also negligently fired off a gun in February of this year.
Deputy District Attorney Kerry Conway said the beating and firearm charges stem from a National City police investigation into an unrelated incident that included examining the cell phones and social media accounts of Maldonado and some of his associates.
She declined to comment on whether that investigation also involves the Nov. 15, 2024 homicide.
In March, Maldonado was arrested in connection with the death of Elijah Smith, a Lemon Grove Academy student.
The shooting, which took place at a vacant National City house, injured four other teens. Police said the gunfire broke out during a party attended by more than 100 people.
Maldonado, who was released from custody days after his arrest, wasn’t charged in the homicide case.
Before sentencing Maldonado on Thursday, Superior Court Judge Dwayne Moring addressed him about focusing solely on the beating and gun cases.
“I’m sentencing you today on the charges that have been filed by the prosecution. Whether you’re under investigation for other crimes or not, that’s not something I can take into consideration today,” Moring said.
Maldonado apologized to the court and his family members in attendance, saying “To my family, I’m sorry I disappointed you. I know I’m supposed to be the man of the house and I’ve been living my life like a teenager.”
He also apologized to the family of the boy who was assaulted and said, “I should have de-escalated the situation. So, from the bottom of my heart, I’m truly sorry if I caused any trauma.”
Conway took issue with his use of the word de-escalation, as she said it was Maldonado who encouraged another person to attack the victim. Maldonado also was seen in social media videos discovered months later firing off a gun and tagging in a South Bay neighborhood, she said.
The judge also sentenced Maldonado to probation.
Source – Indonesia News
