Gang associates plead not guilty to s tearns Wharf murder charges

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The four alleged Santa Barbara gang associates charged in the shooting death of an innocent bystander Dec. 9 on Stearns Wharf entered not guilty pleas at their arraignments Monday, prosecutors said.

“All four adults were arraigned, and the case was assigned to Department 6, Judge Maxwell, for all further proceedings,”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Tate McAllister told the News-Press. “There will be a preliminary hearing setting conference on 4/6 for all defendants.”

The defendants allegedly engaged in a firefight with juveniles from Ventura County with alleged ties to Ventura County street gangs. The bystander, Robert Dion Gutierrez, 52, of Camarillo, was walking on the Santa Barbara wharf with his wife at the time, and was caught in the crossfire. He suffered a single gunshot wound and died later at the hospital.

Jiram Jhunue Tenorio Ramon, 22, is charged with murder with the special circumstance of committing the murder to benefit a criminal street gang and the special allegation of personal use of a firearm causing death. He is also charged with conspiracy to commit murder and criminal street gang conspiracy.

Ricardo Tomas Jauregui-Moreno Jr., 20, and Christopher Dave Miranda, 21, are each charged with murder, with special allegations of committing the murder for the benefit of a criminal street gang (Westside-Santa Barbara) and principal use of a handgun, conspiracy to commit murder and criminal street gang conspiracy.

Mr. Jauregui-Moreno is also charged with having been previously convicted of a violent felony or “strike” offense.

James Lee Rosborough, 21, is charged with conspiracy to commit murder, criminal street gang conspiracy and being an accessory after the fact, with the special allegation of committing the crime for the benefit of a criminal street gang.

Mr. Rosborough asked for another bail hearing Monday, and a date on his request was set for March 16, Prosecutor McCallister said.

A second defendant, Mr. JaureguiMoreno, also challenged his no-bail hold Monday, the prosecutor said. “The judge heard arguments but did not rule on the matter and Jauregui’s attorney indicated that she would take up the issue again in Department 6.”

The two 15-year-old alleged juvenile