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The killer of the 18 year-old man who was stabbed to death while playing handball at Reseda's Cleveland High School in 2013 was resentenced as a juvenile, which may mean his release from confinement is imminent.
According to CBS local Judge Moron Rochman ruled that 25-year-old Anthony Carpio, who was a 16 yr old gang member when he stabbed Kevin Orellana multiple times, would be subject to a maximum confinement of 16 years to life.
Carpio and his older brother, Michael Steve Carpio, were convicted on October 31, 2015 of second degree murder in Orellana's killing. Michael was an adult at the time of the killing that took place on April 24, 2013 and was sentenced to 15 years to life behind bars.
The trial testimony says the Carpio brothers approached Orellana, who was not a gang member, as he played handball and issued a gang challenge. A lawyer of the victim's family said the older brother was fighting Orellana when Anthony approached from behind and stabbed the victim 10 times in the head, neck, and upper body. Prosecutors must seek the court's approval to try minors as adults, under Proposition 57 passed in 2016. Carpio's attorneys filed a writ of habeas corpus arguing that he should have originally been convicted as a juvenile offender.
"Anthony Carpio murdered my brother Kevin. He murdered my mom and dad's son. He murdered my sister's big brother. I hope everyday he is haunted by the knowledge that he took away someone so precious to us. Many years ago, the justice system did what it was intended to do and put this murderer away for the crime he committed, I will never understand the motivation of 'The People,' who no longer represent the people for not caring about all all of is that live in Los Angeles. If this murderer is released because of some blanket 'Youth Justice' policy without serving justice for a crime he committed, I will never understand how Alisa Blair, her management, and you, Judge Rochman, will be able to sleep soundly and calmly every night. I know that my family and I never will." said the brother of the victim.
A retired deputy district attorney and pro bono victims rights lawyer representing Orellana's family said "He will likely be getting out very soon."
Michael Carpio has also petitioned the court to reconsider his sentence. A hearing is set for July 12.
Kathy Cady and Guillermo Orellana join John and share their views.
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