USA - California. Judge Candace J. Beason sentenced Romaine Martin to death

Judge Candace J. Beason sentenced Romaine Martin to death, following a Riverside County jury. sentence handed out in February. Martin, 41, Black, described in court as a gang shot caller, was sentenced to death for ordering the shooting of a man, Jerry Mitchell Jr., 27, after a home-invasion robbery five years ago. Gang members believed mistakenly that Mitchell, who had no gang ties, had $10,000 stashed in his apartment. Several broke in on May 27, 2011, but the only loot they took was household goods, according to testimony. The burglars left, but about 10 minutes later three returned after Martin learned that participant Deontray Robinson knew Mitchell, and Martin ordered Robinson to kill him, according to trial testimony. The shooter, Robinson, 26, was convicted last year and sentenced to life in prison without parole. One more defendant faces trial soon and another one, Elihue Elbert Ramcharam Jr., now 23, agreed to testify for the prosecution in exchange for a 12-year prison term.