Columbus Street 13 Vs Langdon Street 13

Summary

In San Fernando Valley, heightened tensions between Columbus Street and Langon gang members escalated into a deadly shooting at a food truck. The incident involved gang members demanding customers reveal tattoos to identify rival affiliations. The attack resulted in the murder of Brian 'Paso' Henriquez, a Langon gang member, and Carlos, a minor, being shot. Key evidence included a former girlfriend's testimony, security footage, and a 'kite' note revealing gang member Jose Salvador Espinosa's involvement. Espinosa and Mauricio Rivas were convicted and sentenced to 194 years to life in prison.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The incident took place in San Fernando Valley, near North Hills, involving rival street gangs Columbus Street and Langon Street.
• 🗓️ The tensions escalated in January 2015, particularly on January 22nd, due to the murder of Sergio Galvin.
• 👥 Three young Hispanic males approached a food truck, asking customers to show if they had gang-related tattoos.
• 🔫 One of the males was armed and demanded customers to prove their gang affiliation.
• ⚠️ A second food truck was attacked, with customers being assaulted and shot at.
• 🚨 Multiple gunshots were heard, and two customers were shot, one fatally.
• 👦 The victims were 14-year-old Carlos, a member of Langon Street gang, and Brian Henriquez, also known as Paso.
• 📱 Carlos exchanged messages on Facebook, claiming he was shot by Columbus Street gang members.
• 👤 A former girlfriend of a Columbus Street gang member identified two suspects, Mauricio Rivas and Jose Salvador Espinosa, in a photo taken before the shooting.
• 🚗 The ex-girlfriend of Espinosa provided a crucial testimony about picking up Espinosa and Rivas after the shooting.
• 🏢 Both Espinosa and Rivas were found guilty of first-degree murder and attempted murder, receiving sentences of 194 years to life in prison.

Q & A

What was the main conflict between the Columbus Street and Langon Street gangs?

The main conflict was heightened hostilities between the two gangs, primarily due to the murder of Sergio Galvin.

Where did the incident involving the food trucks take place?

The incident occurred in the San Fernando Valley near North Hills, specifically on Rayan Street near the intersection with Langon Avenue.

What was the motive behind the gang members approaching the food trucks?

The gang members were checking for rival gang affiliations by asking customers to lift their shirts to reveal any tattoos and identifying if they were 'languis' (Langon gang members).

How did the shooting at the second food truck unfold?

Alejandro, an employee, noticed three males approaching customers and directing them to lift their shirts. Moments later, multiple gunshots were heard, and the customers, including a regular named Paso, were shot.

What was the outcome for the customers who were shot at the food truck?

One customer, Paso, was shot in the face and died from his injuries. Another customer, Carlos, a 14-year-old member of the Langon Street gang, was shot in the leg.

How did the police gather evidence against Jose Salvador Espinosa and Mauricio Rivas?

Police gathered evidence from security camera footage, cell phone records placing them at the scene, and testimonies from witnesses and Espinosa's ex-girlfriend.

What was the significance of the 'kite' found in the prison?

The 'kite' was a handwritten note indicating that Espinosa was trying to locate his ex to retract her statement about the shooting, showing his attempt to manipulate the case.

What was the ultimate conviction and sentence for Jose Salvador Espinosa and Mauricio Rivas?

Both were found guilty of first-degree murder and attempted murder with gang and gun enhancements, and were sentenced to 194 years to life in state prison.

How did the community members, such as Maria and Sandra, react to the incident and their involvement in the investigation?

They were fearful and reluctant to testify due to the danger of retaliation from the gangs, highlighting the fear and intimidation that such violence instills in the community.

What was the role of the woman who drove Espinosa and Rivas after the shooting?

She was initially an unwitting accomplice, but later provided key testimony and evidence against Espinosa and Rivas, including identifying them in security footage and describing their actions post-shooting.

How did the trial impact the lives of those involved, such as the ex-girlfriend of Espinosa?

The trial had significant repercussions, with the ex-girlfriend being arrested and charged as an accomplice, but later entering a leniency agreement in exchange for her testimony, resulting in her release after 16 months in jail.