Gang Member Tries to Switch Attorneys, Sentencing Postponed

The Monrovia Nuevo Varrio gang member who paralyzed a 16-year-old boy in a 2008 drive-by shooting had his sentencing hearing at the Alhambra Superior Court postponed Thursday so his family members could attend, according to the judge in the case.

Jimmy Santana, 23, was convicted of attempted murder in February for shooting and paralyzing a teenager while he rode his bicycle in the 2500 block of Peck Road in unincorporated Monrovia on Jan. 29, 2008, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. The shooting came during an eruption of gang violence that left four people dead in late 2007 and early 2008.

Santana was present in court Thursday and asked Judge Candace Beason to allow him to change his attorney, but Beason denied his request, she said. Santana's sentencing was continued to June 4 so that his family members who live out of state could attend, Beason said.

Santana yelled out a "gang-related statement" before opening fire, prosecutors said. He was also convicted of shooting a firearm from a moving vehicle, assault with a firearm, and intentionally discharging a firearm to cause great bodily injury.