Inside LADA
December 23, 2024: DA Hochman Announces Vacated Convictions for Wrongly Imprisoned Woman and Man in 2007 East Hollywood Murder
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced today that Los Angeles Superior Court Judge William C. Ryan vacated the convictions and ordered the immediate release of Charlotte Pleytez and Lombardo Palacios, each who spent more than 17 years in prison for an East Hollywood murder in 2007.
“Our justice system must be both fair and accurate, and this case highlights the critical importance of never resting until justice is done, reviewing even past cases with the utmost care to ensure that the right and just result is reached,” District Attorney Hochman said.
“I want to extend my deepest apologies to Ms. Pleytez and Mr. Palacios for the years of hardship they endured due to these wrongful convictions.
“I also want to recognize the tragic loss of Hector Luis Flores and share my heartfelt condolences with his family. His death is a painful reminder of the heavy responsibility we bear to ensure justice not only holds the right people accountable but also honors the lives of victims and their families.”
