Man Convicted in Gang Related Shooting

District Attorney Jan Scully announced that Paul Rodriguez was convicted by jury of shooting at an inhabited dwelling and two counts of assault with a firearm. The jury also found true all firearm and gang allegations relating to the charges.

On April 22, 2009, Paul Rodriguez, a validated North Highlands Gangsta Crip (NHGC) gang member, and two other NHGC members drove by a North Highlands residence. St. Clair Harding, a Beast Mob gang member, was standing outside. Rodriguez suspected that Harding had shot Rodriguez four months prior. While Rodriguez's group drove by the residence, a witness saw the victims waving guns in their hands. Witnesses also described the victim group as yelling threats about a shoot-out to Rodriguez and his group. Rodriguez and Deyjwonn Hightower fired multiple rounds at Harding and his group. No one was injured.

Hightower was convicted by jury on December 20, 2011 and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

Rodriguez faces a possible sentence of life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for September 28, 2012 in Department 19 in front of the Honorable Patrick Marlette.