Plea deal in final charges connected to the murder of Matthew Toste

<p>A Santa Rosa man accused of trying to influence a juror in a high-profile murder trial pleaded no contest Friday to a lesser charge and a special gang allegation.</p><p>George Lopez, 37, the uncle of convicted murderer Joe Lopez Jr., will get 90 days in jail and probation at his May sentencing for the plea to felony dissuading a juror at his nephew's trial.</p><p>Lopez also pleaded no contest to separate charges of failing to disclose his previous criminal record to obtain food stamps and driving without a license.</p><p>The admissions appeared to bring to a close the drawn-out legal proceedings surrounding the Dec. 3, 2006 slaying of 32-year-old construction worker Matthew Toste in a downtown Santa Rosa parking garage.</p><p>Toste was shot as he walked to a nightclub with two women by then-18-year-old Joe Lopez, who along with four other defendants started a fight by making sexually suggestive remarks.</p><p>After a seven-week trial, a jury last year convicted Joe Lopez of second-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison. His father, Joe Lopez Sr., blamed for instigating the fight, plead to lesser accessory and gang charges.</p><p>George Lopez is the elder man's brother and Joe Lopez Jr.'s uncle. Along with other Lopez family members he attended the trial.</p><p>Prosecutors believe that during jury selection, he made an attempt to influence a potential juror during a break. </p><p>The juror, who brought it to the attention of the judge, was disqualified and Lopez was charged with the felony.</p><p>Lopez initially denied the allegation, saying he was talking to his sister outside the courtroom cafeteria about a different criminal case involving his son when he was overheard.</p><p>Apparently, the juror thought Lopez was trying to urge her to find his nephew “Not guilty, not guilty,” said his attorney Bill Mullen.</p><p>Lopez, who appeared Friday before Judge Julie Conger, said little in accepting the plea bargain. He left the courthouse without commenting.</p>