Teen Found Guilty Of Killing 20-Year-Old At Anthony, NM Rest Stop

Irvin Ramirez has been found guilty in a Las Cruces courtroom of first degree murder in the death of 20-year-old Espinoza.

Ramirez also was found guilty of receiving stolen property and tampering with evidence. Ramirez does not face the death penalty.

Ramirez was one of three people accused of killing Espinoza at an Anthony, N.M. rest stop in early January 2010. Espinoza was driving from San Antonio to California.

It only took the jury about two-and-a-half hours to deliberate and convict Ramirez. Espinoza’s family said God has answered their prayers.

Through tears, Ernesto Espinoza, Adam’s father said “As the (trail) was going by, I could see his face, I could feel him on my shoulders. He was very special. He was a gentle, forgiving person.”

During this five day trial, the prosecution called about 25 witnesses, including the two defendants who were reportedly with Ramirez when it all happened.

Ramirez could be sentenced as an adult or a juvenile, because he was 16 when Espinoza was killed.

One of the other teens allegedly involved in the death, Javier Orosco, 17, took the stand on Thursday, admitting to the court that he was the one who purchased the gasoline to burn Espinoza’s car and body after Espinoza was shot in the head.

But Orosco told jurors, at the rest stop, it was Ramirez who pointed the gun at the victim and fired.

“He said, ‘Brace yourself, fool,” Orosco testified.

During cross examination, Ramirez’s defense attorney reminded the jury that Orosco is an admitted former gang member and lied to police at the start of the investigation.

Orosco’s trial is still pending.

Related Link:Link:Timeline Related To Death Of Adam Espinoza