June 29, 2010 By Wallin & Klarich

It was recently reported by the Associated Press that gunmen assassinated the front-running candidate for governor of a Mexican border state. Mexican President, Felipe Calderon, called the murder as a drug cartels seeking to influence local elections. The attackers ambushed governor candidate Rodolfo Torre’s car as he headed to the airport in Ciudad Victoria, border state littered with violence as a result of rival turf battles between two drug cartels. At least four other people traveling with Torre were also killed. Drug gang violence has only increased since President Calderon deployed the Mexican Army to combat violent drug gangs.

Under California Penal Code section 187, murder is defined as the killing of a person with malice aforethought. First degree murder is defined as any murder perpetrated by willful or deliberation or means of a destructive device or by premeditation. (See California Penal Code section 189). Second degree murder is all other murder. In addition, punishment for first degree murder is a felony punishable by death, imprisonment in the state prison for life without the possibility of parole, or imprisonment in the state prison for a term of 25 years to life. Second degree murder is a lighter, yet still severe punishment, which is imprisonment in state person for 15 years to life. In this case, the assailants would be charged with first degree murder, as they likely spent adequate time preparing for the murder of Torre.

If you or a loved one is facing charges for murder or any other serious homicide crime, contact our Southern California attorneys at Wallin & Klarich. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 30 years of experience in handling murder cases. Our attorneys will defend your rights and fight to get you the best possible result in your case. Call us today at (888) 280-6839 or visit us on our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.

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