Son convicted in father's bludgeoning death

WEST COVINA - A Hollywood man accused of beating his father to death with a dumbbell at an Irwindale storage facility was convicted last week of murder and other crimes.Jonathan Martinez Pedraza, 26, was convicted of one count each of first-degree murder and felony vandalism, and two misdemeanor counts of hit-and-run driving. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 10. Pedraza faces a maximum sentence of 27 years to life in prison. Jurors deliberated about two hours following a day-and-a-half trial. Evidence presented at trial revealed that Pedraza delivered at least five powerful blows to his 62-year-old father's head causing 10 lacerations and a fractured skull. Pedraza fled the scene immediately following the attack and was arrested in Baldwin Park after colliding with two vehicles.

********** Published: February 9, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 43