A jury has convicted two men of second-degree murder in a man’s shooting death outside a National City restaurant following an argument between people watching the 2014 World Cup soccer match between Mexico and Brazil.
After deliberating 18 hours over four days, the jury June 18 convicted Daniel Arce Gonzalez, 36, and Salvador Oswaldo Chavez, 38, in the death of Josue Crook, 36, of National City on June 17, 2014.
Sentencing was set for Aug. 28 by Chula Vista Superior Court Judge Stephanie Sontag. Both men remain in jail.
The jury also convicted Chavez of stabbing another person outside the Rincon del Mar on Highland Avenue. Gonzalez was also convicted of felony assault. The restaurant has been referred to as Marisco’s Seafood restaurant.
Deputy District Attorney Melissa Diaz said Gonzalez and Chavez face a prison sentence of 25 years to life and 15 years to life respectfully.
According to testimony, Gonzalez was identified as the gunman. A fight broke out among people outside the restaurant and was already in progress when Crook stepped outside. A witness said Gonzalez was seen pointing the gun at another man before shooting Crook twice.
A man threw a beer bottle and hit another man in the back. A witness identified Chavez as the man who stabbed the bottle thrower. Chavez was arrested by National City Police on July 10, 2014. Gonzalez fled to Tijuana, but was arrested on July 15.
