News Summary
In a significant ruling, Andre Andrews and Omar Miller were found guilty of first-degree murder related to a home-invasion robbery that resulted in the death of Raymond Alcala. The jury’s decision came after presenting compelling evidence, including surveillance footage and DNA data. The incident highlighted serious concerns about drug-related violence, as the assailants targeted a residence linked to significant marijuana dealings. The pair faces potential life imprisonment as sentencing approaches later this year.
Irvine, CA – Two men, Andre Andrews, 40, and Omar Miller, 46, were convicted on Monday, September 15, of first-degree murder connected to a home-invasion robbery that led to the death of 20-year-old Raymond Alcala in October 2019. The jury found them guilty after deliberating on evidence that included surveillance footage, DNA evidence, and cellphone-location data that linked them to the crime scene.
The incident occurred on October 26, 2019, within a gated community on Bayleaf Lane in Irvine, during a robbery that specifically targeted marijuana dealers. The jury also considered special circumstance allegations of robbery and felony assault with a semiautomatic weapon, leading to a possible sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
During the home invasion, dramatic surveillance footage captured Andrews and Miller entering the residence while armed with handguns. The pair attacked a sleeping victim, William Phan, who was bound with duct tape after they subdued him. Fortunately, Phan managed to escape during the chaos and call for help. While the duo was inside the home, two gunshots were fired, with one shot fatally striking Alcala.
The defense argued that Alcala had overpowered one of the assailants before being shot. However, critical evidence presented in court indicated otherwise. DNA evidence collected from the duct tape used to bind Phan directly connected Miller to the crime scene. Additional evidence, including neighborhood security footage and cellphone-location data, further implicated both men in the robbery and subsequent murder of Alcala.
Miller was identified as the individual who fired the fatal shots, and both Andrews and Miller faced charges related to Alcala’s death. Their motivations for the robbery were reportedly tied to greed, fueled by the discovery of approximately 400 pounds of marijuana and $158,000 in cash within the home, which was considered a “drug house.”
Another key piece of evidence included testimonies indicating that the victims had previously been targeted for robbery, which might have made them particularly vigilant and prepared during the home invasion. A fourth resident, who was not involved in the drug trade, was found asleep behind a locked door during the incident, further complicating the situation.
The defense maintained that Andrews and Miller did not intend to kill anyone and suggested that they acted under duress from potential threats posed by a drug cartel. Their attorneys emphasized that the men had left behind cash and marijuana during their escape, indicating they did not plan for the situation to escalate to murder.
There is also a third co-defendant, Devon Quinland, who is currently awaiting trial for separate conspiracy and assault charges connected to the case. Quinland’s legal proceedings will be closely monitored as they unfold.
Both Andrews and Miller are scheduled to be sentenced on December 12. The verdict marks a significant moment in this ongoing case and highlights ongoing issues related to crime, drug trafficking, and violence in the region. The legal ramifications of this case will likely have broader implications for discussions surrounding gang-related activities and the associated risks faced by individuals engaged in the drug trade.
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Additional Resources
- My News LA
- Wikipedia: Home Invasion
- NBC Los Angeles
- Google Search: Deadly Home Invasion Robbery Irvine
- ABC7
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- Orange County Register
- Google News: Irvine Home Invasion
- KTLA
- Google Scholar: Irvine Home Robbery
- Los Angeles Times
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
