Gang member linked to crime through phone records, evidence left behind

A 23-year-old Latino gang member who was convicted this week of the murder and robbery of a father of two was linked to the crime through phone records and evidence at the scene, prosecutors said.

Jesus Mendez, 23, was found guilty Tuesday of first-degree murder and second-degree robbery. A jury spent fewer than three hours deliberating before delivering the verdict in the 2012 killing of Jaime Sharif Abu Awad, 27.

Though there were no eyewitnesses to the shooting, Mendez was identified as being close to the crime scene in the 800 block of West 81st Street in Vermont Knolls approximately 10 minutes before the killing, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Hilary Williams.

Phone records obtained by detectives showed that Mendez called Abu Awad four times the morning of April 19. The first call came in about 11:13 a.m., and the last call was about 11:45 a.m., shortly before slaying.

Abu Awad, who owned a cash for gold business, showed up to meet Mendez about a block from his home.

Mendez then approached Abu Awad’s vehicle, opened the passenger-side door, held out a gun and demanded money from him, Williams said.

Mendez shot Abu Awad three times with a revolver, then fled with two cellphones and $300, Williams said.

Abu Awad died a short time later at a hospital.

What further linked Mendez to the crime was the evidence left behind. Mendez ended up dropping the stolen cellphones in a nearby alley, Williams said. A shoe print on the phone matched Mendez's; he was wearing the same shoes when he was arrested.

The verdict came days after Mendez threw a chair at Williams and an LAPD detective, sending the investigator to the hospital. The jury was in another room when Mendez threw the chair.

Mendez faces life in prison without parole. He is set to be sentenced Feb. 11.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz