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15-Year Mystery Solved: Alleged Mexican Mafia Member Guilty
28 Jul
Summary
- A jury convicted Manuel Quintero of murder after 15 years.
- An accomplice's testimony was crucial to the prosecution's case.
- Quintero faces life in prison for the 2010 home invasion.
Manuel "Snuffy" Quintero was found guilty of murder by a Los Angeles County Superior Court jury for the 2010 killing of Hermilio Franco. This verdict resolves a 15-year-old mystery surrounding the home invasion.
Franco, a nightclub owner and film actor, was awakened by Quintero and an accomplice. Franco, armed, fired upon the intruders, killing one and wounding the other who escaped. Authorities only charged Quintero in 2025.
The prosecution's case heavily relied on Larry Trujillo, Quintero's accomplice, who testified that Quintero planned the robbery. Trujillo's testimony evolved over the years, initially implicating Quintero in exchange for a reduced sentence.
Prosecutors presented evidence including Walmart surveillance footage showing Quintero and Trujillo purchasing items used in the crime. They also suggested a scar on Quintero's stomach was from Franco's gunfire.
Franco's daughter testified, denying a past relationship with Quintero, despite presented photographs. Quintero, who also faces unrelated murder conspiracy charges, denies Mexican Mafia affiliation. He is scheduled for sentencing on October 16.
