‘Hitta’ Arteaga Convicted in Gardena Execution

LOS ANGELES – A cold-blooded execution played out on a Gardena street in November 2020 has finally yielded a conviction. Justin Arteaga, 23, a.k.a. “Hitta,” a known member of the Gardena 13 street gang, was found guilty today of one count of violent crime in aid of racketeering (VICAR) murder. The jury’s decision comes after a five-day trial detailing the brutal slaying of a 29-year-old man gunned down in front of his own home.

The evidence revealed a calculated attack. On November 13, 2020, the victim and his brother were sitting in a parked car when they were confronted by Arteaga, along with fellow gang members Antonio Yanez, 26, a.k.a. “Tank,” and George Hernandez, a.k.a. “Lil Vampy.” All three were armed. The prosecution argued the shooting stemmed from a perceived disrespect towards the Gardena 13 gang. Once the confrontation escalated, all three opened fire on the victim. The senseless violence didn’t stop there. As the victim’s father rushed to his son’s aid, a shootout erupted, involving another gang member, Jesus Hernandez, 31, a.k.a. “Rowdy.”

First responders arrived to a horrific scene. The victim died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds. Ironically, George Hernandez, one of the assailants, was also found with gunshot wounds to the head and chest and later died at a hospital. Arteaga attempted to flee the country, but was apprehended just four days after the murder at Los Angeles International Airport, preparing to board a one-way flight to Mexico. He has remained in federal custody ever since.

“The victims of gang violence are most often the people living in the very neighborhoods the gangs claim as their own,” stated United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “In this case, gang members once again committed a cowardly and senseless murder that ended the promise of a young life. The mandatory life sentence that will result for this defendant sends a clear message that my office is laser focused on holding perpetrators of violence accountable to the fullest extent.”

The investigation was a multi-agency effort. HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang highlighted the collaborative work, stating, “Gang violence has far too often senselessly transformed our family, friends, and neighbors into victims of crime.” ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bombardiere added, “ATF targets trigger pullers by partnering with prosecutors, and law enforcement partners, to build cases against violent criminals.” The Gardena Police Department also expressed their gratitude for the combined efforts, hoping this conviction brings closure to the victim’s family.

Arteaga now faces a mandatory life sentence. Fellow conspirators have already begun to face justice. Jesus Hernandez pleaded guilty in May 2022 to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and is serving a 110-month prison sentence. Yanez pleaded guilty in February 2022 to VICAR, firearm charges, and being a felon in possession, and is awaiting sentencing. United States District Judge André Birotte Jr. has scheduled a sentencing hearing for Arteaga on September 20.