LA Quadruple Murder Suspect Goads Prosecutors to Seek Death Penalty

LOS ANGELES, CA - The prosecution announced today it won't seek the death penalty against a man charged with three killings in 1998 and a fourth almost a decade later.

Upon being informed during a court hearing of the decision, Jose "Joe" Luis Saenz said, "I want them to seek death."

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler told the 40-year-old defendant that it was up to the prosecution to decide what punishment to seek.

"You can't force them to seek death," the judge told him.

If convicted, Saenz could now face a life prison term without the possibility of parole.

He is charged with the July 25, 1998, killings of rival gang members Josue Hernandez and Leonardo Ponce in what authorities believe was payback for an attack on an associate, along with the Aug. 5, 1998, kidnapping, rape, sodomy and murder of his girlfriend, Sigreda Fernandez, whom he allegedly feared would turn him into authorities.

He is also charged with the Oct. 5, 2008, killing of Oscar Torres.

Authorities said they have video of Saenz killing Torres in October 2008 in Whittier over a $600,000 drug debt.

The murder charges include the special circumstance allegations of multiple murders, murder of a witness and murder during rape, kidnapping or sodomy.

Saenz is also charged with one count of attempted murder.

Saenz -- who was on the FBI's 10 most wanted list for more than two years -- was arrested by Mexican agents as he left his apartment in Guadalajara, Mexico, in November 2012, the FBI said after he was taken into custody.

Known by such aliases as "Zapp," "Peanut Joe Smiley" and "Honeycutt," Saenz arrived under guard at Los Angeles International Airport, authorities said.

He is awaiting trial and is due back in court June 10 for a hearing on pretrial motions.

City News Service