A jury convicted a man May 28 of second-degree murder in the shooting death of a National City man who was running away after vandalizing the resident’s truck.
After 6 1/2 days of deliberations, the eight woman, four man jury convicted Christopher James Artale, 42, of killing Aldo Alfonso Prado, 35.
Artale faces a sentence of 16 years to life in prison. El Cajon Superior Court Judge Patricia Cookson set sentencing for Aug. 20.
Deputy District Attorney Valerie Ryan told the jury Prado was shot in the forehead on Oct. 1, 2017, outside Artale’s home at 4490 Glen St. in La Mesa.
Prado had been vandalizing Artale’s truck and had stabbed one of his tires before Artale came outside.
“He was running away when he was shot,” said Ryan. “Mr. Prado was shot from behind.”
Prado was rushed to a hospital, and had surgery for a skull fracture. His family authorized removal of life support systems two days later and he passed away quietly, said Ryan.
Artale’s attorney, Richard Boesen, argued for acquittal, saying it was self-defense. Boesen said Artale was fearful that Prado would go inside his home.
Boesen said Prado furnished Artale with painkillers and heroin. The two men developed “a buyer/seller relationship,” said Boesen.
The trial began April 23 with jury selection. The jury began deliberations on May 16 and the verdict was read May 28. Artale remains in jail without bail.
