Gang member convicted in baseball-bat beating death

A Santa Ana gang member known on the streets as "Slugger" was convicted Monday of beating a rival gang member to death with a baseball bat and stabbing him in the chest.

Mark Anthony Figueroa, 31, of Fullerton was found guilty of second-degree murder, street terrorism and sentencing enhancement for criminal street gang activity. 

Authorities said that Victor Hernandez and two friends were leaving a Walgreens in Fullerton when they were surrounded by as many as seven gang members, including Figueroa.  Hernandez, also identified as a gang member, had been released from jail 10 days earlier, authorities said.

The two groups got into a verbal exchange before Hernandez was taken aside, police said. Figueroa then went to his car, pulled out a baseball bat, returned to the scene and began beating Hernandez, whose friends were able to escape.

Figueroa then grabbed a knife and stabbed Hernandez in the chest, police said, a wound that punctured his heart.

Authorities said Figueroa has a 2004 conviction for criminal threats and a 1999 conviction for felony gang vandalism.  He faces a maximum 30 years to life in prison when sentenced Jan. 20. 

ALSO:

LAPD went undercover in Occupy L.A. camp before raid

Man serving life for killing 25 farmworkers is up for parole

Suspect arrested in death of San Bernardino man found at school

 

-- Angel Jennings