​NEWS RELEASE

FROM: 
Karyn Sinunu, Assistant District Attorney   CONTACT PERSON:
Maxmilian Zarzana, Deputy District Attorney
North County Office
(650) 324-6414   For release on October 22, 2004     SUSPECT PLEADS GUILTY TO ATTEMPTED MURDER   This morning in Palo Alto, Bryan Albert Cortez pleaded guilty to attempted murder. The attempted murder took place during an armed robbery of Lucky supermarket in Los Altos on July 6, 1998. Cortez is expected to receive twenty-four years in state prison.   Los Altos Police Chief Don Johnson and his department pursued the case for several years. Detectives identified Cortez as the suspect, and he was located in state prison where he was serving an eleven-year sentence for armed robbery. District Attorney Investigator John Kracht worked with Los Altos Detective Joe Mamone to identify the shooter and bring him to justice. They were able to relocate and re-interview victims and witnesses who identified Cortez as the shooter.   Cortez’ sentencing is scheduled for December 9, 2004, in Superior Court Judge Diane Northway’s courtroom in the Palo Alto Courthouse at 9 a.m.   # # #