Third Suspect In Ventura Gang-Related Killing Sentenced On Reduced Charge

Tuesday May 23, 2023

     Updated--The final suspect in a gang-related fatal stabbing on Christmas night of 2017 in the Ventura Beach Promenade parking structure has been sentenced on a reduced charge.

     The judge Tuesday sentenced now 25-year-old Chris Silva Gallegos of Ventura to ten years in state prison.

     Gallegos had been facing a murder charge in the death of 30-year-old Joseph Cruz but was allowed to plead guilty to the lesser charge of Assault with Force Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury plus gang enhancements.

     Cruz was stabbed 14 times.

     Two juvenile males ages 16 and 17 at the time were prosecuted as adults and ultimately pleaded guilty to murder with gang enhancements.

     Last year those juveniles, Jose Acevedo and Andy Diaz, were facing 15-years-to-life in prison.

     At Gallegos' sentencing hearing, the court heard victim impact statements from family and friends of Cruz.