News Summary
Jose Luis Salgado, a 24-year-old from Santa Ana, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and street terrorism. This sentencing follows the murder of 31-year-old Pedro Morale Chocoj, who was attacked for his bicycle in 2020. Chocoj’s tragic death has raised concerns about violent crimes related to petty theft in urban areas. The community continues to grapple with the implications of gang-related violence and the need for enhanced safety measures to protect residents.
Santa Ana Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Manslaughter in Bicycle Theft Murder Case
A 24-year-old man, Jose Luis Salgado, was sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter and street terrorism in connection with the murder of 31-year-old Pedro Morale Chocoj. The sentencing occurred following Salgado’s guilty plea on July 30, 2020, marking the resolution of a case that shook the Santa Ana community five years earlier.
The tragic incident took place on July 23, 2020, around 7:45 p.m., when Chocoj was attacked while targeted for his bicycle. His body was discovered the next day on a dirt path next to the Santa Ana Riverbed, located north of Fifth Street.
Chocoj, who lived with his brother in Santa Ana, was also providing financial support to his wife and children living in El Salvador. This background underscores the personal loss felt by his family and the community at large following his violent death.
Details of the Case
Four days after the murder, detectives from Santa Ana managed to trace Chocoj’s stolen bicycle to the 900 block of Fair Way, which led them to identify a suspect in the case. Alongside Salgado, there were additional co-defendants involved. Luis Davilasilva, 25, is currently facing trial for his alleged part in the crime, while Jesus Gonzalo Ibarra, 27, previously pleaded guilty to his role in gang-related activity and was sentenced to one year in jail on December 8, 2020.
Salgado has been in police custody since July 30, 2020, following his arrest related to the events surrounding Chocoj’s death. His guilty plea and the subsequent sentencing are seen as pivotal moments in delivering some measure of justice to Chocoj’s loved ones and the wider community affected by the violence.
Impact on the Community
The murder of Pedro Morale Chocoj is emblematic of a growing concern regarding violent crimes related to petty theft, especially in urban areas like Santa Ana. Chocoj’s tragic story highlights the dangers faced by individuals targeted for their possessions, and the repercussions of gang-related activities that can lead to severe violence.
Law enforcement officials continue to address these issues, and the ongoing trials of co-defendants, like Davilasilva, signal a commitment to pursuing justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable. In light of this case, community leaders are calling for enhanced measures to prevent such violent crimes and support the families impacted by them.
As the legal proceedings conclude for Salgado and continue for others involved, the Santa Ana community reflects on the need for safety and support systems that can protect its residents from similar tragedies in the future.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Man gets 13-year sentence for robbery and killing
- Wikipedia: Violent crime
- My News LA: 2 Men Convicted in Marijuana Dispensary Worker Killing
- Google Search: Marijuana dispensary worker killing
- New Santa Ana: Marijuana Dispensary Employee’s Murder Avenged
- Google Scholar: Santa Ana murder
- OC Register: Man Found Shot to Death Near Riverbed in Santa Ana
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Violent crime
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA
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, performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and community gatherings at The LAB Anti-Mall. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Visit Costa Mesa, plus leading businesses in retail, entertainment, and innovation that shape the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
