A judge has dismissed several key enhancements in the case of six Santa Rosa gang members accused of murdering a witness near Jenner to prevent his testimony in another case.
Quentin Russell, 27; Preston Khaoone, 24; Tyrone Tay, 28; Boonlack Chanpheng, 28; and brothers David, 21, and Sarith Prak, 24, are charged with murder in the shooting of Vutha Au, 24, in a Blind Beach parking lot in March 2008.
Last week, Judge Gary Medvigy said there was insufficient evidence to support an enhancement of lying in wait against all six. He also struck other special circumstances counts related to gang participation and kidnapping against Tay.
Prosecutors previously said they would not seek death or life without parole for Tay or Chanpeng, but have left open the possibility for the others.
The trial is set for Oct. 12. Witnesses have named Russell as the shooter and said Khaoone supplied the gun.
-- Paul Payne
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