Saturday, November 29, 2003
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) -- A reputed gang member was convicted of attempted murder Tuesday in the drive-by shooting that wounded Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dennis Weathersby.
Juan Serna, 26, of Baldwin Park, was found guilty by a jury of trying to kill Weathersby and a second man. Serna also was convicted of two counts of shooting from a motor vehicle and a count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Serna faces multiple life terms at his sentencing, scheduled for Dec. 17.
Weathersby was getting into his car April 20 when several alleged gang members in a white sport utility vehicle drove up and opened fire at him near his hometown of Duarte, authorities said.
Serna mistook the two victims for gang members, said Deputy District Attorney Steve Lopez. Weathersby was hit by a bullet that entered his back below his lungs, passed through his torso and lodged in his upper left arm. His friend escaped injury.
The former Oregon State star had been expected to be a first- or second-round draft pick in the NFL draft. Instead, he was picked in the fourth round by the Bengals.