Indio, California – A jury’s decision to recommend the death penalty for Jose Vladimir Larin Garcia, the man found responsible for the execution-style murders of four individuals in Palm Springs, was affirmed today by Judge Anthony Villalobos.
Larin Garcia, born on September 28, 1999, committed the heinous crime on February 3, 2019, resulting in the deaths of Carlos Campos-Rivera, 25; Yuliana Garcia, 17; Jacob Montgomery, 19; and Juan Duarte-Raya, 18.
The tragic events unfolded as Larin Garcia was riding in a car with three of the victims before fatally shooting Campos-Rivera outside an apartment complex. Subsequently, the bodies of the other victims were discovered in a disabled car with targeted gunshot wounds to their heads.
Larin Garcia was found at the crime scene covered in the victims’ blood and attempted to flee but was ultimately captured by authorities. Following a mistrial in March 2022, a second trial led to a guilty verdict on four counts of first-degree murder, making Larin Garcia eligible for the death penalty due to the special circumstances surrounding the case.
District Attorney Mike Hestrin emphasized the severity of the crimes committed by Larin Garcia, stating that the death penalty is reserved for individuals who exhibit a lack of remorse for their abhorrent actions.
The case, handled by Deputy DA Samantha Paixao of the Homicide Trial Team, has been a long and arduous process for the families of the victims, who have suffered immeasurable loss.
Maria Morales, the mother of one of the victims, expressed gratitude for the support provided by the District Attorney’s office during such a difficult time, acknowledging the efforts of Victim Service Specialist Glenda Escobedo and DDA Samantha Paixao.
The victims hailed from various cities in the Coachella Valley, leaving behind grieving families and communities deeply impacted by the senseless violence perpetrated by Larin Garcia.