Jason Payne was sentenced to seven years in prison, while the alleged shooter in the spree — Malik Patt — still awaits trial.
A 44-year-old Los Angeles man who claimed to be along for the ride during a deadly crime spree last year targeting convenience stores and fast food restaurants across Southern California pleaded guilty to robbery charges on Monday and was immediately sentenced to seven years in prison.
Payne — who prosecutors acknowledged did not actually enter of the businesses that were robbed — had faced up to 10 years in prison. He was charged with the robberies under the legal theory that he was aiding and abetting Patt., and who Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer previously described as a “stone-cold killer” who “executed people” — is being tried separately. He is currently being held without bail.
The first two armed robberies police have tied to the alleged crime spree were on July 6 at a Subway restaurant El Segundo and a donut store in Whittier. Two days later, on July 8, a subway and two different donut shops were robbed, all in South Gate. Later that same morning, the spree moved to Orange County., including attempted robbery at a Santa Ana 7-Eleven that left a customer, 24-year-old Matthew Rule, being shot dead in the parking lot, a robbery at a 7-Eleven in Brea where clerk Matthew Hirsch, 40, was shot and killed, and a robbery at a 7-Eleven in La Habra where a clerk and customer were wounded by gunfire.
Authorities have said that Patt and Payne are not directly related, though they lived in the same neighborhood and Patt referred to Payne during police interviews by the affectionate term “uncle.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
More rain coming to Southern California starting late MondayMore rain is coming to the Southland next week, forecasters said Saturday.
Read more »
Cold Weather Alert Issued for Parts of Southern CaliforniaA cold weather alert has been issued for parts of Southern California as temperatures are expected to drop to below freezing numbers over the weekend.
Read more »
Here's how much it takes to be considered 'middle class' in Southern CaliforniaHow much does it take to be considered “middle class” in Southern California? A new report published by the Pew Research Center gives new insight into status.
Read more »
Southern California braces for powerful storm Monday, with heavy rain, snow, windA winter storm warning will begin at 4 a.m. on Monday, forecasters said. The warning will run through 10 p.m. on Tuesday.
Read more »
Another intense storm hits Southern California with damaging winds, threats of floodingSouthern California faces another winter storm Monday, with heavy rains, damaging winds and threats of flooding forecast through Tuesday.
Read more »