Reseda Man Pleads No Contest To Accidentally Killing Friend

TARZANA, CA – A 21-year-old man pleaded no contest Thursday to accidentally killing a 24-year-old woman near a Tarzana hiking trail, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced in a press release. Heriberto Gonzalez, also known as Kirby, of Reseda entered the plea to one felony count each of involuntary manslaughter and assault with a firearm, and admitted the handgun use allegations.

Deputy District Attorney Brad Harmon said Gonzalez was immediately sentenced to eight years in state prison. On Dec. 4, 2016, Gonzalez and a group of friends, which included victim Angela Hernandez, went to a hiking trail near Vanalden Avenue to shoot a handgun, the prosecutor said. After returning to their vehicle, the defendant accidentally discharged the firearm, fatally shooting the victim who was sitting in the front passenger seat, the prosecutor added.

Gonzalez's plea also includes an unrelated incident in which he shot at a car near Sherman Way and Haskell Avenue on Sept. 19, 2016.