Jurors Find Gang Member Guilty in 2003 Murder

A gang member shouted obscenities after jurors convicted him Friday of a murder punishable by a minimum of 40 years in prison.

Jerrell Patrick, 24, was found guilty of second-degree murder in the June 2003 slaying of Lawrence Middleton. After the verdict, he shouted at a bailiff that he was a member of a street gang.

“I’m very relieved because this guy needed to go away,” Deputy Dist. Atty. John Colello said. “He is a gangster to his bone.”

Patrick is scheduled for sentencing Aug. 6 by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor. Patrick faces 40 years to life in state prison, Colello said, with the possibility of an additional three years for possession of a firearm.

“I think it’s extremely harsh,” Patrick’s attorney, Victor D. Martinez, said. “The D.A. introduced a considerable amount of gang evidence, and it was highly inflammatory.”

Patrick shot and killed Middleton about a month after Patrick had been released from custody on a carjacking charge. Patrick was released when supervising judges, citing budget restraints, refused to keep court open later than 4:30 p.m. to accommodate prosecutors.

Those arrested must have an arraignment -- a court hearing at which charges are explained to them -- within 48 hours. If not, they are freed.

On June 26, 2003, Patrick argued with Middleton and others near a popular barbershop at 43rd Street and Crenshaw Boulevard.

Patrick pulled out a gun, chased Middleton and fired three times, shooting him in the back, Colello said.