Norwalk man pleads not guilty in shooting that killed his former friend

A Norwalk man pleaded not guilty Oct. 29 to charges related to the fatal shooting of a former friend and to severely injuring the man’s father, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office. 

Raul Herrera Jr., a 23-year-old Latino, is charged with murder in the death of Julian Fidel Chavez. He also faces one count each of attempted murder and mayhem. A special allegation has been applied that Herrera personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, which caused great bodily injury and death.

Prosecutors said Herrera drove to his home in the 14800 block of Dartmoor Avenue in Norwalk on Oct. 15 and encountered Julian Chavez, and his father, Jerry Chavez. 

Herrera ran into his home and grabbed a gun, according to prosecutors. He then confronted the two men and shot them, prosecutors said. Both men were taken to the hospital. Jerry Chavez was shot in the face but survived. Julian Chavez was pronounced dead at 10:05 p.m., according to coroner’s records. 

Herrera fled the scene but turned himself in to authorities on Oct. 16, prosecutors said. 

The 23-year-old is scheduled to return to court Dec. 14 for a preliminary hearing. The maximum he could face is a life sentence if convicted as charged.

The charging document says Herrera was convicted in 2012 of second-degree robbery.

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @jeromercampbell and @latimeshomicide on Twitter.