Convicted gang member gets 50 years in party shooting

Police are hoping the recent conviction and sentencing of a Simi Valley gang member will send a message about the city's zero tolerance policy toward those who commit crimes in the name of a street gang.

Richard Anthony Gomez, 19, was sentenced Nov. 16 to 35 years in state prison on an attempted murder charge, plus an additional and consecutive term of 15 years to life for shooting into an inhabited dwelling.

Gomez will not be eligible for parole until 2050, when he is 62 years old.

Gomez was arrested May 26, 2006 after an investigation by the Simi Valley Police Department's Special Operations Unit following a May 13 shooting at a birthday party on Royal Avenue.

Gomez fired multiple shots from a .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol into the house where the party was taking place.

No one was injured in the attack, however, it was determined by a jury that Gomez's actions endangered the lives of those inside.

- Kyle Jorrey