Jamiel Shaw
LOS ANGELES -- The gang member accused of murdering a local high school football player will face the death penalty, prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Pedro Espinoza is charged with the murder of 17-year-old Jamiel Shaw.
Shaw, a standout Los Angeles High School football player, was shot and killed near his Arlington Heights home March 2, 2008.
Espinoza, an 18th Street gang member and illegal immigrant, had been released from jail on a firearms charge the day before Shaw was killed.
He was arrested four days after the slaying.
Shaw's parents are suing the county, alleging that Espinoza should not have been freed from jail, but turned over to immigration authorities.
Shaw's parents unsuccessfully petitioned for a law that would enable police to arrest illegal immigrant gang members and hand them over to federal authorities.
Under current police policy, officers are forbidden from questioning people solely about their immigration status.
Pedro Espinoza is charged with the murder of 17-year-old Jamiel Shaw.
Shaw, a standout Los Angeles High School football player, was shot and killed near his Arlington Heights home March 2, 2008.
Espinoza, an 18th Street gang member and illegal immigrant, had been released from jail on a firearms charge the day before Shaw was killed.
He was arrested four days after the slaying.
Shaw's parents are suing the county, alleging that Espinoza should not have been freed from jail, but turned over to immigration authorities.
Shaw's parents unsuccessfully petitioned for a law that would enable police to arrest illegal immigrant gang members and hand them over to federal authorities.
Under current police policy, officers are forbidden from questioning people solely about their immigration status.
