Teenagers Sentenced for Assassination Attempt in California
Two teenagers from Los Angeles, affiliated with the Sinaloa cartel, have been sentenced to 25 years in prison for their involvement in a failed assassination in Southern California.
Andrew “Shooter” Nunez, aged 16, and Joncarlo “Dumper” Quintero, 17, received their sentences after pleading guilty to charges including attempted murder and causing collateral damage to a gang associate.
Back in March 2024, when they were only 15, the two attempted to carry out the hit at a Chili’s restaurant in the San Diego area. They also made an unsuccessful attack at the victim’s home. Notably, they were promised $50,000 for completing the job.
Acting as hired guns for the cartel, Nunez and Quintero drove from LA to a Chili’s in Chula Vista. They targeted a man leaving the restaurant with his family, but the attempt faltered when Quintero’s gun jammed after hitting the man in the leg. Following this, they tried to run him over.
The very next morning, along with an accomplice named Ricardo Sanchez, 28, they went to the victim’s house. Unfortunately for them, their target was not present. Instead, they fired shots into the home where the victim’s relatives and a friend were present. The friend’s injuries included wounds to his hand, arm, and face, after he fired back and accidentally killed Sanchez. The teens then fled the scene.
Both teenagers admitted their guilt in December, acknowledging their roles as hired hitmen. They also recognized that being minors might have protected them from severe adult charges.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon remarked that new California legislation might complicate the prosecution of minors, indicating that the Sinaloa cartel has adapted to this environment.
He further emphasized that this case shows juveniles can, indeed, face serious consequences when participating in organized crime. Gordon condemned the recruitment of youngsters by the Sinaloa cartel and the impact of such gangs on communities.
Additionally, three members of the Sinaloa cartel are scheduled to face court, implicated in the conspiracy involving these teenagers.
