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Trial Begins Tuesday In 2010 Santa Ana Bakery Murder

SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Trial will begin Tuesday for two men accused of murder at a Santa Ana bakery as the victim prepared coffee.

Opening statements are scheduled to begin Tuesday in the murder trial of Israel Pena Lopez, 38, and Frankie Esteban Giraldo, 32, both of Santa Ana, who allegedly shot and killed 32-year-old Alejandro Sanchez on Oct. 13, 2010.

Both Lopez and Giraldo have been charged with murder, but Lopez also faces a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon and sentencing enhancements for the personal discharge of a firearm causing death.

Prosecutors say Lopez and Giraldo drove in separate cars to Panaderia La Chapina bakery on Edinger Avenue in Santa Ana, where the victim worked. Lopez parked in front of the bakery, while Giraldo parked on a side street and met outside the bakery, according to prosecutors.

Lopez walked around to the front of the business while Giraldo waited at the west entrance before entering the bakery at the same time, prosecutors said.

Lopez allegedly shot Sanchez several times in the back as he prepared coffee at a counter.

After the shooting, both men left the bakery, but Lopez returned in an attempt to shoot the victim again, prosecutors said, but his firearm failed to discharge.

Lopez faces 75 years to life in state prison if convicted, while Giraldo faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life.

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