Murder suspect enters plea of not guilty
Eyewitnesses will testify at June 5 preliminary hearing, DA says
By Kyle Jorrey kjorrey@theacorn.com

A suspected Simi Valley gang member accused of the murder of Luis Torres, 18, pleaded not guilty in Ventura County Superior Court on Wednesday to three separate counts, each stemming from a Jan. 26 shooting in an area near Third Street and Ashland Avenue.

Daniel Ramirez, 22, faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder and assault with a firearm- each charge involving a separate victim, all of whom were present the night of the fatal shooting, according to Senior Dep. District Attorney Maeve Fox, who is handling the case.

"Everybody was present at the scene at the time of the murder. These people were also threatened or shot at by the defendant," Fox told the Acorn.

Both the murder and attempted murder counts include the special allegation that the crimes were committed for the benefit of a street gang, which could be a factor if Ramirez is found guilty.

"It's a sentencing enhancement," Fox explained. "Theoretically, you could add 10 years onto each count."

Torres, also a Simi resident, was found by Simi Valley police officers Jan. 26 at 11:14 p.m. at the southwest corner of Fourth Street and Ashland Avenue. Officers were responding to calls of several shots being fired.

Torres was pronounced dead at the scene by Ventura County Fire and American Medical Response personnel.

The Ventura County Medical Examiner's office later determined that Torres died of a single gunshot wound to the chest fired at close range.

Ramirez was apprehended March 17 by Simi Valley police officers while driving his car on the 118 Freeway.

He is being represented in court by Conflict Defense Attorney Charles Cassey.