Leon Gomez, Guilty of Manslaughter

Leon Gomez

On Wednesday night, twenty-two-year-old Leon Gomez was found not guilty of murder for the January 2010 stabbing death of Salvador Martinez.  He was however, found guilty of manslaughter.  The verdict was announced shortly before nine o’clock, after a jury of twelve deliberated for over four hours before emerging with a not guilty verdict for murder.  Following the decision, Gomez was seen crying.  He also became very angry with persons standing outside the courtroom.  Gomez attacked two media personnel who were standing outside and he had to be restrained and subdued by a court police officer.   Ten of the jurors said he was guilty of manslaughter while only two thought that he was not guilty.  Gomez’s fate will be decided by Justice Adolph Lucas on May twelfth, the date mitigation plea was set aside for.  Gomez faces a minimum of fifteen to eighteen years which can be extended to life.