Man Convicted in Murder by Torture Case

District Attorney Jan Scully recently announced that Juan Carlos Orozco was convicted by jury for the 2010 murder of his neighbor and retired horse trainer, Mr. Galen May. The jury also found true three special circumstances, including murder by torture.

On August 28, 2010, 69-year-old Mr. May was found dead on the floor of his Antelope apartment. His wrists and ankles were bound and his head was wrapped in a plastic bag, cinched tight with a belt. His wallet, bank card and vehicle were missing. Within hours, Sacramento County sheriff's homicide detectives were in possession of footage from a gas station in Hayward showing Orozco driving May's vehicle and using his bank card.

At trial, Orozco said that he found Mr. May's keys. He admitted to stealing the car and bank card, but denied the killing. Orozco lived in the apartment below Mr. May, a well-known thoroughbred trainer, who over the years trained several Kentucky Derby winners and contenders.

Orozco faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Sentencing is set for April 19, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. in Department 10 before the Honorable Greta Fall.