Crime & Safety

Jury Hangs on Murder Charge Against Richmond Gang Member

Joseph Abbate, 22, was charged with murder for the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Eduardo Ochoa in San Pablo.

A Contra Costa County Superior Court jury has deadlocked on a murder charge against a known Richmond gang member but convicted him of gang conspiracy and being a felon in possession of a gun, a prosecutor said Monday.

The jury rendered its verdict on Friday after deliberating in the trial against 22-year-old Joseph Abbate, who was charged with murder for the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Eduardo Ochoa in front of his San Pablo home on April 12, 2012. Deputy District Attorney Satish Jallepalli said he expects Abbate to be retried for the murder. Jallepalli has argued that while Abbate did not shoot Ochoa himself, he planned the slaying along with three fellow gang members.

The defendant is scheduled to return to court next month.

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