Inside LADA

March 14, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Exoneration of Man Wrongfully Convicted of a South L.A. Murder in 2005

 

District Attorney Gascón Announces Exoneration of Man Wrongfully Convicted of a South L.A. Murder in 2005

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today the exoneration and release of Stephen Patterson, who spent nearly two decades in prison for a South L.A. murder in 2005 he did not commit.

“In this era of progress, it’s crucial to acknowledge the imperfections of our past and actively work to correct those wrongs,” District Attorney Gascón said. “It’s our responsibility that no family is torn apart by a miscarriage of justice, and no community is left with the actual perpetrator roaming their streets. Our office’s Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) is dedicated to meticulously reviewing cases and collaborating to uncover the truth and increase public safety.”

 Michael Semanchik, executive director of The Innocence Center, said he was thrilled that Patterson has been exonerated.

“Stephen has always maintained his innocence. Unfortunately, his wrongful conviction was the product of a single bad eyewitness identification and shoddy police work,” Semanchik said. “We are lucky to have a great working relationship with the CIU. Not only did it allow us to free an innocent person, but together, we identified the true perpetrators.”

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March 5, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Charges Against Man Who Killed Three Women in a DUI Crash in Pomona

 

Pomona DUI Crash News Conference

POMONA, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced charges against Victor Siharath after he allegedly ran a red light while driving intoxicated and hit a vehicle, killing three women and injuring two others, including a child, on Saturday, March 2, in Pomona.

“There are no words to express the heartbreak that Mr. Siharath’s actions have caused these victims’ families and community,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Our hearts go out to the grieving families and the survivors as they attempt to cope with this unimaginable tragedy. Those who choose to jeopardize themselves and others by driving under the influence will face swift legal consequences. There is nothing that can bring back the countless lives lost to speeding and drunk driving, but our office will continue to hold those responsible.”

“I am pleased that the District Attorney’s Office is aggressively pursuing charges on this matter,”  Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval said. “Driving under the influence is 100% preventable.  Individuals who ignore the law need to understand that there are repercussions for their senseless actions, that often result in tragedy, pain and loss to the victims’ families and our community.”   

“The actions and choices of a DUI driver on March 2nd took the lives of three innocent people and severely injured two others,” Pomona Police Chief Michael Ellis said.  “The Pomona Police Department mourns with our community and the families of the victims. Pomona PD is conducting the criminal investigation for this incident, and murder charges are being filed. We are committed to enforcing DUI laws in Pomona and will work with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure justice in this case.” 

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