Suspect in Oceanside Murder of Teen Pleads Not Guilty

A 16-year-old reputed gang member accused of fatally shooting another teen in Oceanside pleaded not guilty today at the Vista Courthouse to murder and robbery charges.

Samuel Ortega Ricardez was charged in connection with the shooting of 17- year-old Antonio Carachuri-Perez early Sunday.  The victim was standing in front of a relative's house in the 400 block of Grant Street when he was shot, and he died at a hospital.

The counts include allegations that Ortega Ricardez used a shotgun and was involved with gangs. He faces life in prison, if convicted.

The victim's cousin, Daisy Lopez, told reporters outside the courtroom that Carachuri-Perez was not a gang member. Family members do not know the defendant, she said.

Judge Marshall Hockett ordered that Ortega Ricardez to remain in custody in lieu of $3 million bail.

A readiness conference was scheduled for March 27.