Jury Convicts La Habra Man of Attempted Murder
A jury found a 40-year-old man guilty of attempted murder and assault following a 2019 shooting at a local bar.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Violence
A jury has convicted 40-year-old Nestor Alberto Ortiz Rico of attempted murder and two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The charges stem from a 2019 shooting at the El Rinconcito Bar in La Habra.
Why it matters
The shooting occurred after Rico targeted a victim who intended to leave a gang. The court conviction includes enhancements for premeditation, deliberation, and inflicting great bodily injury.
The jury found the defendant guilty of attempted murder and two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, including sentencing enhancements for premeditation. The court has scheduled the formal sentencing for December 11, 2026.
The players
Nestor Alberto Ortiz Rico
He is a 40-year-old man convicted of attempted murder and assault following a shooting incident.
The details
Rico returned to the El Rinconcito Bar at 2061 W. Lambert Road with a firearm after being ejected from the premises. He opened fire into the establishment, wounding a patron in the leg and chest while also injuring the bar manager in the arm and stomach.
Timeline
The shooting occurred at the bar on April 19, 2019.
A jury convicted the defendant on October 12, 2026.
The court will sentence the defendant on December 11, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows the investigation into the 2019 shooting at El Rinconcito Bar. It underscores the local judicial process in La Habra for prosecuting violent crimes involving premeditated use of firearms.
The resolution of this case concludes a violent incident that occurred at a local La Habra business. The sentencing hearing will finalize the judicial process regarding the safety of the community at the site of the shooting.
The takeaway
The jury's decision addresses the violence linked to gang-related conflicts within the community. Legal experts emphasize that sentencing enhancements for premeditation are standard in cases where specific intent is proven in court.
What happens next
The court is scheduled to sentence Nestor Alberto Ortiz Rico on December 11, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on public safety incidents, visit the Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My News LA.
