Trio Convicted in Sacramento Murder

District Attorney Jan Scully recently announced that Adam Cornejo, Jesse Cornejo and Isaac Vasquez were convicted by jury of second degree murder, four counts of attempted murder and shooting at an inhabited dwelling, and multiple gang and firearms allegations. Jesse Cornejo was also convicted of evading a peace officer with willful and wanton disregard for public safety.

On January 19, 2011, Deandre Ellison and four friends were returning from Arcade Market in Ellison's car. As they turned into Ellison's driveway, the defendants, who are associated with the Norteo criminal street gang, approached in an SUV that was driven by Jesse Cornejo. When one of Ellison's passengers started to get out of the car, Adam Cornejo and Isaac Vasquez began shooting. That passenger then jumped back in the car, grabbed a gun and shot back at the defendants. Deandre Ellison died as a result of a gunshot wound to his upper back. When officers arrived minutes later, they found more than 20 casings in the street and yard.

A description of the SUV and defendants was immediately broadcasted. Sacramento Police Department officers responding to the shooting spotted a car that matched the description and attempted to stop it. Jesse Cornejo then took the officers on a high speed pursuit that ended at the intersection of Del Paso and Natomas Boulevard when Cornejo crashed into several cars.

All three defendants tried to run on foot, but were quickly caught by the pursuing officers.

The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on September 14, 2012 by the Honorable Cheryl Chun Meegan.