A third teenager was charged Friday for his alleged role in the fatal stabbing of a Pico Rivera man during a home invasion robbery, prosecutors said.
Angel Emilio Estrello, 15, was charged as an adult with one count of murder, two counts of home-invasion robbery and one count of first-degree burglary, according to a news release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The murder charge includes a special-circumstance allegation that the killing was committed during a robbery.
Jesus Rafael Adame, 18, and Sergio Anthony Gutierrez, 17, the victim’s son, were charged Tuesday with the same counts and special circumstance allegation, the DA’s office said.
The three teens are accused of attacking Sergio Gutierrez, 50, about 1:35 a.m. Saturday at his home in the 3700 block of Oaklawn Lane (map). After the killing, the defendants allegedly stole cash, credit cards and the family car, according to prosecutors.
Deputies responded to a call reporting a robbery at the house, where they found the victim suffering from multiple stab wounds, the Sheriff’s Department said.
The elder Gutierrez was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead.
Homicide detectives were called to the scene, in a gated community just south of the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area. A tip led them to the suspects the following day, authorities said.
The DA’s office said it will decide later whether to seek the death penalty against Adame or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Estrello and Gutierrez are not eligible for the death penalty because of their age. They face a maximum possible sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The three defendants were being held without bail. Estrello is scheduled to be arraigned Friday afternoon in Superior Court in Downey.