Triggerman in Utah gang-related shooting pleads guilty

A 21-year-old West Jordan man admitted in court Friday to the fatal gang-related shooting of another man two years ago in West Valley City.

Armando Jose Majano pleaded guilty in 3rd District Court to first-degree felony murder for the July 27, 2013, shooting of 18-year-old Anthony Hernandez.

In exchange for his plea, a third-degree felony firearms charge was dismissed.

Majano faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced Jan. 15 by Judge James Blanch.

Majano — the admitted triggerman — was one of six people charged in connection with planning the murder of rival gang member Hernandez, according to charging documents.

Also charged in connection with the shooting were: Jose Carlos Salazar, Alejandro Argumendo, Ricardo Antonio Padilla, Diego Armando Monfeda and Juan Eduardo Cruz.

The group drove in two vehicles to Hernandez' home near 3100 South and 4300 West, where Salazar saw Hernandez and pointed him out to Majano, according to charging documents.

Majano called out to Hernandez, and when the man walked over, Majano shot him four times, charges state.

The group then fled to Padilla's home, where Padilla promised to dispose of the gun, which has not been found, according to charges.

Argumendo, 23, Padilla, 29, and Salazar, 21 — are each charged with murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstructing justice, all first-degree felonies. All three are scheduled for trial set for Jan. 11.

Cruz, 21, who is charged only with first-degree felony obstructing justice, has a scheduling hearing on Jan. 29.

Monfeda, 22, pleaded guilty last year to a reduced second-degree felony count of obstructing justice and was sentenced to probation and a year in jail.