Convicted murderer attacks defense lawyer at Torrance courthouse

Moments after a jury convicted him of murder in an execution-style shooting in Rancho Palos Verdes, a defendant attacked his attorney Wednesday, authorities said.

Daniel Nunez, 29, of Gardena was quickly tackled by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies and restrained with a stun gun, authorities said.

A jury had just convicted him of murdering and kidnapping Jesus Payan, 38, on Jan. 31, 2007.

“As soon as the verdict was read, he attacked his attorney,” said Steve Whitmore, a sheriff’s spokesman.

Whtimore said deputies had prepared for a violent outburst by the defendant and had positioned themselves behind Nunez for the reading of the verdict.

Two deputies grabbed Nunez and forced him to the floor, Whitmore said. When he continued to struggle, a third deputy stunned the defendant with a Taser, incapacitating him, Whitmore said. The attorney was not hurt in the attack.

Nunez, who is being tried with a second defendant, Rudy Tafoya, will appear for sentencing in February. He faces a sentence of life without parole.

-- Richard Winton

Comments

[Sandi Lopez]

Perhaps we could keep this creep in for life and make us all safer. What doesn't the criminal justice system NOT understand about a LIFE sentence?

[Mufon]

That's the problem with the criminal element, impulsive behavior over which they choose to exercise no control. He murders someone, jury finds him guilty, so it's either police misconduct, bias or a bad attorney. I often feel badly for defense attorneys having to deal with these types of defendants, in total self-denial of the concept of accountability.

[Billy Bob]

We have far too many criminals and criminals -in-training on the streets of Los Angeles and surrounding communities. The "Thugs" have been affecting how the average person goes about their lives-looking over your shoulder and locking homes up like "Banks". The "Thugs" have folks out there advocating for them when they violate the law. Look a t the May Day event in the Park close to downtown. No one (the public or news media) has spoke up about the "thugs" throwing bottles and cans at the officers before the melee. Every group came out of the woodwork saying poorly LAPD reacted (maybe the truth should have been told by the press-where were the cameras?).
The stats from LAPD and the LASO (Sheriff'f Dept) show a downward spiral in crimes reported-but you you feel safer??? Most people would say, "No".

[Truth]

All these years white angelenos have tried to keep us african americans inside the perimeter of south central. Well these mexicans are more than you all bargained for. Our jails and prisons are packed with them with 50 percent of them not born here or illegal. Well have fun trying to stop their growing gangs and their leaders who never speak out against the violence they pose to other races. Yeah, you Mr. mayor

[Jim]

The story reads "deputies had prepared for a violent outburst by the defendant and had positioned themselves behind Nunez for the reading of the verdict." if this is the case, then why wasn't he handcuffed? Our legal system needs a complete overhaul.

[Dave]

As long the criminals constantly defended and glorified by the liberal media nothing will change and we will all be prisoners in our "free" country...... do you listen LA Times?

[Tara]

i'm tired of all the excuses criminals give: it's the system, it's my background, my color, my ethnicity, my nation of origin, my attorney, the school system...anyone but me is to blame. blech.

[Matt]

Wow, this type of thing is scary. How can this happen in today's Courts and what if he had really hurt the guy.