Ventura man convicted Friday in 2012 murder

VENTURA, Calif. – Gilbert Villanueva was sentenced Friday to 25 years to life in prison for the 2012 murder of 14-year-old Joshua Angel Burciaga, with his sentence announced by the Ventura County Prosecutor's Office (VCDAO).

Villanueva pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder on May 3 and admitted to the special allegation that the crime was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang, according to the VCDAO.

Villanueva and another man went to Saticoy Park on June 27, 2012, and recognized Burciaga, seeking revenge for injuries to another gang member, the VCDAO said.

Burciaga tried to run away, but Villanueva and the other man fired guns at him until he fell and fired more shots as Burciaga begged for his life and was then pronounced dead at the scene, detailed the VCDAO.

The Ventura man and the other man fled and attempted to hide and destroy evidence that linked them to the murder, according to the VCDAO.

The medical examiner's report reveals that Burciaga suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including two to the head, at close range, the VCDAO explained.

Villanueva was arrested on July 17, 2012, for the murder and two murder weapons were wrapped in the same bandanas the two men wore that night and were found buried at a Santa Paula ranch, the VCDAO detailed.

Villanueva was 17 at the time of the crime, but prosecutors successfully argued that the case should be tried in adult court because of its seriousness, according to the VCDAO.

Villanueva's accomplice in the crime was also 17 years old at the time of the murder and was arrested on October 3, 2012 for his involvement in the murder, the VCDAO explained.

The partner was also sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for his involvement, detailed the VCDAO.