Youth Sentenced to Life for 2007 Gang Slaying

District Attorney Jill Ravitch announced that the Sonoma youth, convicted of the 2007 gang murder of a teenage victim, will serve 25 to life in prison.

Juan Manuel Calderon, then 17 years old, rocked Sonoma with the Maxwell Park slaying of 17-year-old Luis Roberto Miranda.

Calderon, a member of the Sureno gang, was with fellow gang members in the Park on Oct. 22 2007, when a verbal altercation ensued with a group of suspected Nortenos.

Calderon, along with a group of Surenos, left to pick up a sawed-off shotgun from a nearby residence--to correct the verbal bashing.

Calderon took the shotgun and walked to a picnic area in Maxwell park. In front of a large group of young people, Calderon fired three shot, striking Miranda twice. 

Miranda died on scene as a result of gunshot wounds to his head. Calderon fled, hiding the firearm in an area near the park.

The harsh sentence represents a push by the county courts system to adapt a strict policy towards gang violence.

“Gangs represent a clear and present danger to the health, safety and general welfare of this community.  Vigorous prosecution of criminal street gangs is a priority within my office.  This sentence sends another clear message that gang violence within our community will not be tolerated," District Attorney Ravitch said.

Though he was a minor at 17 years of age at the time of the offense, Calderon was prosecuted as an adult due to the charge.

He pled guilty to second degree murder and admitted the truth of gang and gun sentencing allegations.

The co-defendant, Juan Carlos Perez, was convicted after jury trial of murder and gang related charges and enhancements and is serving life in prison.