Echo Park gang associate sentenced to life in prison

A 38-year-old gang associate was sentenced Dec. 19 to life in prison without the possibility of parole for two murders and an attempted murder, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

In November 2013, Andre Upshaw was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and one count each of attempted murder and shooting from a vehicle, according to Deputy Dist. Atty. Russell Moore.

Jurors also found true that the crimes were committed for the benefit of the Mexican Mafia prison gang.

William Vargas, 33, was shot and wounded March 1, 2009, in the 2000 block of Echo Park Avenue in Echo Park.

Upshaw then drove to the 1600 block of Baxter Street in Echo Park, where he shot Eric Zamarripa, Moore said.

Zamarripa, 38, was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Less than 30 minutes after the Zamarripa shooting, Upshaw shot and killed 37-year-old Carlos Gonzalez in the 4300 block of Toland Way in Eagle Rock, the prosecutor added.

-- Maloy Moore