Man gets life for nightclub shooting

PICO RIVERA – A 22-year-old man was sentenced last week to 114 years to life in prison for a fatal shooting at a Pico Rivera nightclub. Sebastian Zazueta, of Oxnard, was convicted by a jury on Jan. 23 of five felonies: one count of first-degree murder and four counts of willful, deliberate and premeditated attempted murder.

Deputy District Attorney Brandon K. Wong, who prosecuted the case, said that on Sept. 22, 2013, Zazueta and several of his friends went to El Rodeo nightclub to watch a singer perform.

While there, Zazueta and his friends got into an argument with security guards, the prosecutor said. As a result, the group was kicked out of the club.

However, they bribed another doorman and were let back in, the prosecutor added.

As the club began to close and patrons were directed to leave the club, Zazueta wanted to re-enter to use the restroom, authorities said. The security guard refused Zazueta reentrance, at which point Zazueta went to his car and retrieved a gun, the prosecutor said.

Zazueta returned to the security guard, who was located near the valet, and shot at the club employees, the prosecutor said.

One of the valets, Melvin Cortez, 37, was shot in the chest and died several hours later at a hospital. The security guard was shot several times but survived his injuries.

Authorities found Zazueta soon after the incident and arrested him.

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Published: March 19, 2015 - Volume 13 - Issue 49