02/09/08 (AR):
Expert On Gangs To Be Called
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Prosecutors in the Daniel Francis murder case are seeking to call an expert on gang related violence. The Defense have always contended otherwise and are resisting the move.
Daniel Francis was killed on May 6, 2006, by a gunshot to the back of the head. Francis was a passenger in a car at U. S. Highway 71 in Lowell when he was shot. The car was driven by Tracy Stith, one of Francis' co-workers.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the two accused.
At a hearing Friday, it was learned that California investigator Alfonso Valdez will be the prosecution's expert gang witness. Prosecutors submitted factors of the crime to Valdez, and he issued a report concluding that the act was gang related.
Valdez is an investigator with the North Orange County Target Gang Unit and is described as the leading expert in California on gang-related investigations and activities. Valdez is the primary instructor for the California Narcotics Officers Association in gang investigations.
Valdez is also the author of "Gangs: A Guide to Understanding Street Gangs."
Defense attorneys will contest whether Valdez is qualified to be declared an expert witness and the prosecution's contention that the crime was gang related.
Valdez is expected to testify during an April 3 hearing to determine whether to exclude evidence of tattoos and other possible gang affiliation from being used as evidence against the men.
Tim Buckley, one of Camacho's attorneys, previously filed a motion asking the court to exclude any references to tattoos and gang affiliation. Buckley's motion claims that admitting the tattoos and alleged gang affiliation would be prejudicial to Camacho's case.
Circuit Judge Tom Keith said if defense attorneys plan to present their own expert witness for the April 3 hearing, then they must give prosecutors the witness's name three weeks prior to the hearing.
Keith still must decide whether the accused will be tried together or have separate trials. Keith scheduled a tentative trial date for the men for July 8. Both are being held without bond in the Benton County Jail.
© X-Pro 2008
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