Gang Member Arrested for Attempted Murder
Santa Barbara County – February 6
As reported January 13th on Crimevoice.com, Rudolph Paul Rojas, 28, was arrested on January 12, 2012 in connection with the shooting of Sergio Marquez, 27. At that time, Marquez was rushed to Marian Medical Center with a gunshot wound to his neck.
Jose Anthony Plata
An additional suspect in that case, Jose Anthony Plata, 22 of Santa Maria has now been apprehended. Pursuant to further investigation into the shooting, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives, working in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Gang Enforcement Unit and Sheriff’s Narcotics Enforcement Unit determined that Plata was complicit with Rojas in the assault and shooting of Marquez.
According to SBSD Public Information Officer Drew Sugars, “after additional investigation, a warrant for Jose Plata was executed and served”. On the afternoon of February 2nd, Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Team surrounded the residence of Plata’s aunt in the City of Santa Maria. Plata was promptly detained and arrested without incident. Plata has been booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on charges of attempted homicide and committing a crime for the benefit of a criminal street gang, and is currently held on $1,000,000 bail.
Sugars later reported to the media that the Santa Barbara County District Attorney “looks very closely at suspects with known gang affiliations,” suggesting that Plata may face additional charges resulting in criminal enhancements to those already filed.
Photos: courtesy Santa Barbara County Jail Booking; R.L. McCullough
Read More:
CrimeVoice: Attempted Murderer & Female Enabler Busted
Santa Maria Times: SM man arrested in attempted homicide
keyt.com: Third Arrest For Attempted Homicide Incident Jan 8
EdHat: Santa Maria Man in Jail for Attempted Homicide
