​NEWS RELEASE  

FROM: 
Karyn Sinunu, Assistant District Attorney   CONTACT PERSON:
David H. Ezgar, Deputy District Attorney
Gang Unit
(408) 792-2534      For release on November 3, 2004     GRAND JURY INDICTS FIVE DEFENDANTS IN OLINDER PARK MURDER OF CHRISTIAN J.   On November 1, 2004, a criminal grand jury in Santa Clara County returned an indictment charging Jessie Salinas, Robert Sanchez, Jorge Ayala, Javier Ayala, and Jonathan Pipkin with the gang-motivated murder of Christian J. on 4/24/03 in Olinder Park, San Jose. All defendants are charged with felony violations of Penal Code section 187 (murder of Christian J.), Penal Code section 664-187 (attempted murder of Luis L.) and Penal Code section 245(a)(1) (assault against Luis L.). All charges include an allegation that the crimes were committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang pursuant to Penal Code section 186.22. If convicted, each defendant faces in excess of 50 years to life in state prison.   Defendants Jessie Salinas, Robert Sanchez, Jorge Ayala and Jonathan Pipkin were in court for arraignment today at 1:30 p.m. in Department 24 of the Hall of Justice located at 190 West Hedding Street, San Jose. Defendant Javier Ayala was arrested today and will be arraigned later this week.   # # #