Latin Kings members were aggravated because he had cooperated with police on a murder investigation and because he had disparaged the gang leader.
convicted Ruben Hernandez, 25, and Max Aguilar, 18, of murder for their roles in the death of Jorge Caro, 21, also of Aurora.When Caro showed up at a Latin Kings party on Sept. 3, 2005, gang members were aggravated because he had cooperated with police on a murder investigation and because he had disparaged the gang leader. But, according to testimony, what sent gang members over the edge was that Caro used the Latin Kings handshake, even though he wasn't officially a member. The gang's leader ordered Caro beaten for the affront.Prosecutors said Hernandez was one of several gang members who punched and kicked Caro as he lay on the ground. Caro was knocked unconscious during the beating, so the gang leader ordered it stopped.Someone suggested taking Caro to a hospital. Instead, prosecutors said, Quinton Moore hit Caro on the head with a bat. Charges are pending against Moore and another man. The gang leader, Roman Lucio, 26, of Aurora, has already pleaded guilty. No one testified that Hernandez or Aguilar struck the fatal blows. In fact, Aguilar was never accused of touching Caro -- just of being the lookout. But under the law, he could be held accountable because he participated in a felony -- the fight -- which led to a murder.Hernandez and Aguilar face 20 to 60 years in prison.
