Probation for teen lookout in Worland shooting

WORLAND – After a change of plea agreement on Wednesday, Fifth Judicial District Court Judge Robert Skar sentenced Trae Huerta, 18, of Worland, to five years supervised probation for the crime of conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary, while Huerta acted as a lookout for a botched drug robbery that ended with the victim being shot by an accomplice of Huerta’s.

In March, Angel L. Ramos of Worland, previously of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty to three charges including aggravated burglary, and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. The victim, Gilbert D. Garcia of Worland, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance (heroin).

According to court records, on Sept. 27, 2016, Garcia was at his grandparent’s residence when a hooded man entered the home and attempted to rob him at gunpoint. Garcia’s grandmother walked into the room, at which point Garcia and the assailant began to wrestle, and Garcia was shot in the shoulder.

The assailant ran from the home after the shooting, at which point Garcia’s grandfather took a shot at the assailant with a .32 caliber pistol.

During sworn testimony on Wednesday, Huerta testified to Judge Skar that it was his idea that Ramos bring the gun, and that that he though the robbery would be the source of some “easy money”.

Huerta remained outside during the attempted robbery, and fled the scene when he heard gunshots.

“This is some serious stuff,” replied Skar, before determining that Huerta should stand the longest probation period available under the plea agreement, at five years.

Upon sentencing, Skar warned Huerta that, at his young age, he would have to work very hard to “fight the impulses” of being a young man, and that “If you violate the [terms of] probation you will go downhill for this.”

THE RAMOS VERDICT

While being treated at the Washakie County Medical Center Garcia was interviewed by law enforcement, who obtained a warrant to search Garcia’s residence. Investigating officers discovered drug paraphernalia, $450 cash, and 3.6 grams of a controlled substance (heroin) during a search of the residence. A 9mm shell casing and bullet lodged in the wall were also recovered as evidence.

After release from the hospital, Garcia was placed under arrest. On Sept. 29, Garcia identified the assailant as Angel Ramos, claiming to have met the suspect previously at a party, and subsequently picked Ramos out of a photo lineup provided by law enforcement.

Later that day, officers attempted to contact Ramos at his residence, when the suspect ran out the back door and eluded officers, until he was found hiding in the 800 block of Park Avenue, where he was arrested. Acting on a search warrant, officers recovered bloody tennis shoes, a cell phone, a Hi-Point 9mm pistol and ammunition and a small amount of marijuana from Ramos’ residence.

In July of this year, Ramos was sentenced to 6-12 years for aggravated burglary and 5-7 years apiece for each aggravated assault charge to run concurrent. The judge explained the extended sentence as a way to ensure a long parole period to help monitor Ramos’ addiction once he is released. He pointed out that with good behavior, he could be out in a few years. He also designated Ramos as an addicted offender.