Attempted Carjacking Lands Gang Member 35 Years To Life In Prison

NORWALK, CA - A gang member who tried to carjack a man in Whittier, then fired shots at him, was sentenced Thursday to 35 years to life in state prison.

Jessie Abbott Duran, 27, of Whittier, was found guilty Aug. 19 of one count each of attempted murder, attempted carjacking, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Jurors also found true gang and gun allegations against Duran, who walked up to a man sitting in a car and demanded the vehicle on April 3, 2014, according to Deputy District Attorney John Chang.

The man refused to give up his vehicle and drove away. The man called police and then returned to his home and, while waiting for officers to arrive, saw Duran coming toward him again, the prosecutor said,

Duran fired at the victim, who was not injured, but one of the bullets struck a passing car, Chang said.

Duran was arrested by Whittier police the same day.

-- City News Service, photo via Shutterstock