BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) - A gang member who beat a man to death with a hammer in Bakersfield has pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter and other crimes.
The Bakersfield California (https://bit.ly/2rK4AaX ) says Matthew Mejia entered the pleas Wednesday. The 31-year-old faces nearly 37 years in state prison.
Prosecutors say two years ago, Mejia and other gang members accused Justin Brewer of stealing two cellphones in a house frequented by drug users.
Brewer was tied to a chair but he managed to get free twice. The second time, he fought with Mejia and others.
Prosecutors say Mejia grabbed a hammer and beat him to death.
The body was dumped in an orchard and burned. Farmworkers discovered it.
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Information from: The Bakersfield Californian, https://www.bakersfield.com
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