Gabriel Gomez was sentenced Thursday (Nov. 16) to life in prison without parole -- plus twenty-two years -- for the kidnapping and murder of his half-sister, Sandra Rosas, wife of Los Lobos singer-guitarist Cesar Rosas. As reported earlier, her body has yet to be found.

Pomona Superior Court Judge Robert Martinez encouraged the defendant at the close of the trial to reveal where his half-sister's body was so that her family could lay her to rest. "If there is any decency in you, one day, perhaps, one day not too far away, you will provide them with it," Martinez said.

Gomez -- who maintained his innocence throughout the trial -- reportedly was overwhelmed with remorse after the sentencing, and consented to lead authorities, his attorneys and two reporters on a search for the body. After two hours, the unsuccessful search was called off, but Deputy District Attorney Donald Clem promised that the it would be resumed today, with the help of bloodhounds.

According to Clem, Gomez had indicated "a couple of areas where Sandra Rosas' body might be found."

Despite the lack of a body, Martinez ruled that the evidence was overwhelming that Gomez had murdered Rosas. Rosas, who was adopted when she was a child, did not know Gomez until five years ago, only making his acquaintance when she began a search for her biological family. Shortly afterward, Rosas tied to help the ex-convict put his life back together, helping him financially and convincing her husband to give him work as a roadie for Los Lobos.

On Oct. 31, a jury took only two hours to return a verdict of first-degree murder against Gomez.

JAAN UHELSZKI
(November 18, 2000)