New Santa Ana | Tag Archives: Gianni Anthony Van

Three suspects sentenced in 1995 Santa Ana cold case kidnapping and murder case

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Art Pedroza Posted in Santa Ana Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 13ZF0162

12CF3070

Date: July 15, 2016

MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON AND TWO CO-DEFENDANTS SENTENCED FOR 1995 COLD CASE KIDNAPPING AND BRUTAL MEAT CLEAVER HACKING MURDER OF MAN

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man was sentenced today to 25 years to life state prison and two defendants were sentenced for their roles in the 1995 cold case kidnapping and brutal meat cleaver hacking murder of a man. Shannon Ray Gries, 45, Santa Ana, pleaded guilty on May 23, 2016, to one count of felony-murder for murder during the commission of kidnapping and was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison.

Co-defendant Diane Tran, 47, Costa Mesa, pleaded guilty on Jan. 24, 2014, to one felony count of voluntary manslaughter with a sentencing enhancement for being armed with a firearm in the commission of a felony. Tran was sentenced today to four years in state prison. Kody Tran, Diane Tran’s husband, was also involved in the murder but died before charges were filed in this case. Continue reading→

Santa Ana man convicted of 1995 cold case kidnapping and stabbing-murder of Gonzalo Ramirez

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 13ZF0162/12CF3070

Date: May 23, 2016

MAN CONVICTED OF 1995 COLD CASE KIDNAPPING AND STABBING-MURDER OF MAN

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man was convicted today for his role in the 1995 cold case kidnapping and stabbing-murder of a man. Shannon Ray Gries, 45, Santa Ana, pleaded guilty today, May 23, 2016, to one count of felony-murder for murder during the commission of kidnapping.

Costa Mesa man to face trial in the kidnapping and murder of a Santa Ana man

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Costa Mesa, Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Gianni Anthony Van

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Cases: 13ZF0162/12CF3070

Date: April 14, 2015

DEFENDANT TO FACE TRIAL FOR 1995 COLD CASE KIDNAPPING AND STABBING-MURDER OF MAN

*One co-defendant awaits jury trial in this case and two other co-defendants await sentencing in this case

SANTA ANA – A man will face trial tomorrow for the 1995 cold case kidnapping and stabbing-murder of another man. Gianni Anthony Van, 45, Costa Mesa, is charged with one felony count of special circumstances murder during the commission of a kidnapping. Van faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison without the possibility of parole. Opening statements are scheduled to begin tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. in Department C-41, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

Co-defendant Diane Tran, 46, Costa Mesa, pleaded guilty on Jan. 24, 2014, to one felony count of voluntary manslaughter with a sentencing enhancement for being armed with a firearm during the commission of a felony. She faces a maximum sentence of four years at her sentencing on June 12, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-41. Continue reading→

Psych professor convicted for kidnapping and murder of man she says raped her

Posted on September 13, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Norma Patricia Esparza

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: September 12, 2014

Case# 13ZF0162, 12CF3070

WOMAN CONVICTED OF MANSLAUGHTER FOR ROLE IN 1995 COLD CASE KIDNAPPING AND STABBING OF MAN
*One co-defendant has been convicted and two others are awaiting trial in this case

SANTA ANA – A woman was convicted today for her role in the 1995 cold case kidnapping and stabbing-murder of a man, whom she met in a bar. Norma Patricia Esparza, 40, formerly of France, pleaded guilty to one felony count of voluntary manslaughter. She is expected to be sentenced to six years in state prison at a date to be determined. She will also testify in the jury trial against her co-defendants.

Esparza’s negotiated plea and sentence reflects her acknowledgment and acceptance of her role in the victim’s murder. Continue reading→

SAPD detectives make arrests in 1995 cold case murder

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Art Pedroza Posted in Courts, Crime, Public Safety, Santa Ana 1 Comment

Santa Ana Police Department Advisory: Detectives make arrests in 1995 Cold Case Murder

Arrestee: Gianni Anthony Van LKA Costa Mesa
Arrestee: Diane Tran LKA Irvine
Arrestee: Norma Patricia Esparza
Suspect: Shannon Ray Gries LKA Colorado (Currently listed as Fugitive)
Suspect: Kody Tran LKA Irvine (Deceased)

On April 16, 1995 Gonzalo Ramirez (12/06/1970) was kidnapped in Santa Ana. His body was found in the City of Irvine the next day. He was wrapped in fabric, and had been stabbed numerous times. Continue reading→