In line with a jury's recommendation, a judge from the California Superior Court has decreed that Jose Vladimir Larin Garcia should face capital punishment for the murder of four individuals in Palm Springs five years prior. The severity of Larin Garcia's crime warranted his eligibility for the death penalty.
A press release from the District Attorney of Riverside County revealed that in February 2023, a jury pronounced Larin Garcia, a resident of Palm Springs, guilty for the murders of Carlos Campos-Rivera, 25; Yuliana Garcia,17; Jacob Montgomery, 19; and Juan Duarte-Raya,18; all committed on Feb. 3, 2019. The jury suggested capital punishment for Larin Garcia after determining he met special circumstances such as lying in wait and multiple victims being involved.
District Attorney Mike Hestrin stated in the press release: "The death penalty is reserved for those who have truly proven themselves to be without remorse for actions that are among the most egregious imaginable." He further added: "The decision made today is not one made lightly but reflects the heinous nature of these crimes committed by a man who took so much away from so many people for something so inconsequential."
As per the press release, on the evening of Feb. 3, 2019, Larin Gracia was travelling in a car with three of his victims. He encountered Campos-Rivera, the fourth victim, near his apartment complex's gate on Canon Drive. Larin Garcia fired two shots at Campos-Rivera including one fatal shot to his head. The remaining victims were shot and killed several blocks away from where Campos-Rivera was murdered. Larin Garcia was apprehended at a Greyhound bus station the following day. He had shaved his head and bought a ticket to Florida under an assumed name.
Deputy DA Samantha Paixao of the Homicide Trial Team said: "The magnitude of the crimes that the defendant committed that night was enormous." Paixao, who prosecuted the case, added: "It was five victims who were taken. Carlos, Jacob, Juan, Yuliana, and her unborn child."