District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced Thursday, July 7th, that a jury has convicted Victor Meraz (DOB 9-3-90), of Fillmore, of the first degree murder of 23-year-old Alberto Avalos during a drive-by shooting. The jury also found true the special circumstances and special allegations regarding the use of a gun and that the murder was committed to further the activities of “The Boyz” criminal street gang.

The murder occurred on May 27, 2007. Victor Meraz, a passenger in a vehicle occupied by fellow gang members, drove through Fillmore looking for rival gang members. Meraz called out his gang’s name before shooting Mr. Avalos, who was walking with friends.

Sentencing for Meraz is scheduled for August 4, 2011, at 8:30 a.m. in Division 23. Meraz faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Courtesy of Ventura County District Attorneys office.