On October 5, 2010, Alejandro Hernandez Rivera, 24, was found guilty of first degree murder for strangling a retiree as part of a plan to steal the retiree’s expensive flute collection.
Rivera worked as a janitor by day, but prosecutors alleged that he also advertised his services as a prostitute on Craigslist. Theodore Neff, 66, was one of his regular clients.
In 2008, Rivera allegedly murdered Neff, set fire to his house, and stole his collection of solid gold and silver flutes. During trial, Rivera argued that he killed Neff after Neff told him he may have been exposed to HIV.
Rivera faces a maximum sentence of 28 years to life in prison.
Murder is the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought. PC 187(a).) First degree murder exists when a person commits murder with premeditation and deliberation, or under certain circumstances such as by poison or drive-by shooting. (P.C. § 189.) First degree murder is punishable by 25 years to life in prison, life without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty. (P.C. § 190(a).)
If you or someone you know has been accused of murder, you will need an experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney who will aggressively defend you against the most serious crime in the state’s penal code. At Wallin & Klarich, we have helped people accused of murder for over 30 years. Call us today at (888) 280-6839 or visit us at our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.
