Petaluma Resident Could Face Death Penalty in 2010 Triple Homicide

A Petaluma man is among 13 people arrested Thursday around the Bay Area in connection with a gang authorities say carried out a brazen triple murder on a South San Francisco street in 2010.

According to a federal indictment revealed at a news conference today in South San Francisco, 20-year-old Petaluma resident Victor Flores (alias Little Creeper) is one of four men charged with killing rival gang members two years ago.

Others facing murder and racketeering charges include Joseph Ortiz, 22 (“Little Vicious”), of South San Francisco,  and Justin Whipple, 19 (“Teddy”), of San Bruno shot at seven people who they believed were rival gang members in South San Francisco on Dec. 22, hitting six and killing three. Benjamin Campos-Gonzalez, 21 (“BG”), of San Mateo served as their driver, according to the indictment.

The 18-month investigation involved local, state and federal law enforcement into a crime the indictment characterizes as a violent dispute between rival gang members.

All four could face the death penalty if convicted.

Twelve other defendants were charged with racketeering conspiracy in relation to the murders and face life in prison, and three were charged with being accessories to the crime.

Clark Settles, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge in San Francisco, said the arrests and charges send an important message to gang members.

“Be looking over your shoulder because there’s a good chance we’re coming for your next,” he said.

after being fired at by an assault rifle while trying to arrest one of the suspects in Petaluma, but their injuries aren’t life-threatening, Haag said. 

“This underscores how daring this gang is,” Haag said.