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Two more sentenced in Murrieta 'Fight Club' case
By: JOHN HALL - Staff Writer
One sent to prison, another three months custody and probation | ∞
FRENCH VALLEY ---- After telling a the judge they take responsibility for what they did, two participants in what has become known as the Murrieta "Fight Club" were sentenced Friday for their crimes.
James Daryl Walker, 20, was sent to state prison for six years while 19-year-old Travis Edward Erickson received a sentence of 180 days in custody and three years' formal probation.
Walker must serve 85 percent of his six-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole. He also has credit for about a year served already.
Judge Rodney Walker ---- no relation to the defendant ---- recommended that Erickson's six months in custody be house arrest. The judge said he believes there is too much chance that, if Erickson was sent to county jail, he would be released early because of overcrowding issues.
Last month, James Walker and Erickson were among the final five members of Fight Club to enter guilty pleas. Three men are scheduled to return to court next month to be sentenced.
In all, 11 young men have now pleaded guilty to a variety of crimes, each admitting the offenses were gang-related.
Authorities have said the Fight Club was started primarily by students of Murrieta Valley High School as a sort of an underground boxing group, with the members first sparring among themselves.
Then some members started to pick fights with outsiders and progressed to a criminal street gang that committed such crimes as armed robbery, burglary, assault with a deadly weapon and arson, prosecutors said.
The judge said Friday at Southwest Justice Center that these two sentences begin to "wrap up a rather sad chapter in the history of the city of Murrieta and its high school."
The judge said he thinks those involved with Fight Club are basically good kids.
"They simply thought too much of themselves. They were selfish and short-sighted," Walker said.
He said he hopes all those involved have learned that their selfish actions not only effects those they victimized, but hundreds of people ---- the families of defendants and victims alike.
Walker sentencing
The judge commended James Walker at times, saying he has shown maturity and possessed "character enough to recognize that the right thing to do is simply take your medicine."
James Walker pleaded guilty last month to two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, admitting that both were gang-related and that one caused great bodily injury to the victim. He now has two strikes under the state's Three Strikes Law, meaning should he ever be convicted of another felony once released he could face up to 25 years to life in prison.
"Unfortunately, my mistakes led to the physical and emotional abuse of others," James Walker said Friday when allowed the chance to speak at his hearing.
"I associated with the wrong people. I understand what I did was wrong," he added.
"I am trying to right my wrongs," James Walker said. "I'd like to be punished for what I did."
Walker told the judge that he initiated contact with Murrieta police and spoke to them honestly about Fight Club and its crimes.
"The most damning evidence against me has been myself," he said.
Walker's attorney, Lorene Mies, pointed out to the judge that her client spent 10 1/2 hours with police in October 2006, an interview she says led to the arrest and conviction of many of the Fight Club members. She asked the judge to consider, when sentencing her client, that he cooperated with police and agreed to plead to two strikes.
Six people testified on behalf of Walker, each asking the judge for leniency.
However, Deputy District Attorney Brandon Smith told the judge that Walker has shown a "pattern of violence" and he called three members of one family to speak in order to show that pattern. Walker and other Fight Club members assaulted a man and his son, even dragging the father some distance under a truck.
Walker entered his guilty plea before prosecutors filed any charges against him in the attack on that man and son.
After hearing those family members describe what happened to them, the judge told them that, while he sympathizes with them, he can only sentence Walker for the charges to which he pleaded guilty.
The judge told Walker that he is now at a crossroads in his life and whether or not he takes the proper path will dictate how his life ends up.
Telling Walker he belongs in state prison for what he did, the judge also said, "you have a pretty good chance by age 24 or 25 to start a pretty good life."
Erickson sentencing
Last month, Erickson pleaded guilty to one count each of second-degree commercial burglary and arson, while also admitting to gang-related crimes on both counts.
With other known Fight Club members, Erickson took part in the October 2006 burglary of a temporary office in Temecula for LA Fitness. The arson charge stems from the burning of computers taken from the business.
Erickson's attorney, Brent Romney, asked the judge Friday to "take a chance" on his client and consider a sentence of just probation. Romney said Erickson, who has been out of custody after posting bond on his bail, has enrolled in school and is working.
Judge Walker pointed out that Erickson has not done well when previously on probation, including continued use of marijuana.
"He's not taking things very seriously," the judge said.
If Erickson does well on probation now, the judge said it would be a big surprise. If not, "... it's good-bye, Mr. Erickson," Walker said, meaning he will send him to state prison.
Erickson also addressed the judge at the hearing, first apologizing for wasting the court's time.
"I take full responsibility for my actions," Erickson then said.
"Judge, you have my word this will never happen again," he added, saying he is taking positive steps in his life.
Erickson also apologized to LA Fitness for the damage he caused, then talked about others he had damaged.
"I apologize to all my family, friends and loved ones for all the pain and embarrassment I have caused them," he said.
While rendering his sentence, Walker sternly warned Erickson against any use of marijuana as well as to not associate with anyone who was part of Fight Club.
"The farther you can keep yourself from that bunch, the better off you will be," Walker said. "Show your family and the rest of us that you deserve to be free."
Probation reports
Probation reports pertaining to Walker and Erickson were submitted to the judge before Friday's sentencing hearings.
Riverside County probation Officer Julia Meeks detailed her Feb. 6 interview with James Walker.
Regarding participation in Fight Club, Walker told the officer "he and several friends were given that name in high school, but did not like it.
"Eventually they embraced it, but after high school he tried to diminish his reputation as a Fight Club member, as he felt it was immature and negative," Meeks wrote.
Walker told her that he no longer associates with anyone from Fight Club and wants to finish college and pursue a career.
The probation report also details the assaults for which Walker pleaded guilty, based on information Meeks received from law enforcement.
In one of the assaults, Walker, along with Fight Club founder Anthony Craig Smith and others, attacked someone at a party in Murrieta on Oct. 25, 2006, Meeks wrote.
During the assault, Smith became enraged, grabbed the victim and hit him with an uppercut.
"Walker described Smith's attack ... as being 'violent, very vicious,'" according to the report.
In her Jan. 29 interview of Erickson, Meeks details how he told her of the fear he and others had of Smith.
Erickson told her that "everyone was afraid of Anthony because they 'saw him knock out a guy,'" Meeks wrote.
Erickson told her that Smith was very violent and aggressive.
"He's on steroids. He was the boss and everybody tried to please him," the report states.
Smith intimidated Erickson into taking part in the LA Fitness burglary, according to the report.
In her conclusions, the probation officer said, "Perhaps the defendant's most serious fault was his failure to notify authorities of the Fight Club's criminal activities, which could have resulted in fewer victims."
In her statement regarding Walker, Meeks wrote that it seems "immaturity, as well as intoxication, played a large role in his behavior." But she adds that none of that can be used as an excuse.
She said it looks like Walker is remorseful, has made significant positive changes, "appears to have ambitious goals and seems to possess the ability to achieve such goals."
Remaining sentences
Anthony Craig Smith, 20, faced close to 60 years in prison had he been convicted as charged. Instead, he entered into a plea agreement and is expected to be sentenced to 25 years.
Smith pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary, admitting that it was a gang crime and to using a firearm in that crime; robbery, admitting it was a gang crime in that case as well; two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a controlled substance.
Michael Robert Petty, 21, received a sentence of 19 years, four months in his plea agreement.
He also pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary, admitting using a firearm; robbery, admitting that was a gang-related crime; vehicle theft and a second-degree commercial burglary.
Martin Arturo Valle, 21, pleaded guilty to being an accessory to a felony, admitting it was a gang-related crime and having a prior "strike" against him under the state's Three Strikes Law. Valle agreed to be sentenced to four years, eight months, in state prison.
All three are scheduled to return to court on March 28 to be sentenced.
Contact staff writer John Hall at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2628, or jhall@californian.com.
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Drew wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:01 AM:Are these young men really sorry? They told the judge what he wanted to hear. Hopefully they really mean it and want to make a better life for themselves. I am quite concerned about the victim that was dragged with a truck. Obviously, I don't know the circumstances but that is a horrible thing to do to another human being. I hope the victim realizes his rights to pursue monetary compensation for his pain and suffering. Basically, he should sue the perpatrator and his family.
Mike wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:17 AM:I bet these criminals were a bunch of punks and bullies when they were at MVHS. Search their inmate information in the Riverside County Sheriff Jail database. Look at their physical descriptions. Nothing but a bunch of bullies. And yes, when a bunch of bullies rally up together its called a gang. They got what they deserved, time. Parents, teach your sons to be nice to others, to think about their long term plans. Its obvious the parents of these gangmembers just didn't care.
Bo wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:14 AM:It's very refreshing to see the justice system reconize a gang as a gang regardless of race, location, or family financial status.
Railroad Engineered wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:31 AM:25 years for first degree burglary. first degree burglary is eaither at night,or with a weapon. 25 years this is outragous. 19 years for the same deal. no one is hurt you don't even know if they threatend anyone with the guns or just had them on their persons. Gang cercumstance is just crap,this is a bunch of dumb kids doing really stupid stuff. This behavior dose not warrant those kinds of sentence's. Brandon smith and Judge? need to be dismissed!
Railroad Engineered wrote on Feb 23, 2008 10:33 AM:I dont recall seeing the judges name. I wish you would have printed it so if this idividual came up for election I make certain not to support.
sadie wrote on Feb 23, 2008 1:12 PM:our family were also victims(one a physical victim the rest emotinal victims of the MFC the case though was never brought to justice I believe these young men were never remorseful,since some of them have been doing animal like behavior since 2005.In my opinion some of them are getting off way to easy,I sure we have not heard the last of the MFC.
to railroad wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:13 PM:The judge's names were in all the articles. You may want to re-read them to be sure you did not miss them.
Trust me, based on the feed back from these blogs and forums, those judges will be on the bench for a long time. We are SICK of crime in our town. Of course our criminal justice system is harsh. It has to be harsh to get the point accross because folks who commit crimes have a hard time learning right from wrong and need a lesson that will leave a lasting impact.
My advice is this: don't do the crime if you can't do the time.
to railroad wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:18 PM:Yes 25 years! That is 25 years that that this guy will NOT be able to commit crime our city. If you think our justice system is too harsh feel free find a more enlightened society somewhere else. As for me, I HATE criminals and see this as warning to any one thinking of committing a crime in Murrieta. Be prepared to spend a HUGE chunk of your life in prison. Next time you are thinking of committing a crime ask yourself this question. Is it worth it?
Vigilante wrote on Feb 23, 2008 2:32 PM:These "boys" deserve the stiffest penalties allowed by law. The victims of these cowardly bullies should come together and file a civil class action lawsuit against these deviants and sue them and their families for every penny they can get. ...
to railroad wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:02 PM:choo choo Any weapon that causes great bodily harm or injury to one does not have to be a gun I don't consiand took to way to far and they even had conducters caps.der dong really stupid stuff they knew what they were doing because they didn't stop at the railroad crossing they jumped the track,
allie wrote on Feb 23, 2008 3:07 PM:THIS SAGA WILL NEVER BE OVER BECAUSE THES GUYS WILL NEVER LEARN THEIR LESSONS THEY HAVEN.T SINCE 2005 HOORAY FOR THE MPD FINALLY.......
Sean C. wrote on Feb 23, 2008 8:09 PM:Drew, there are bad seeds & there are good seeds its just the way it is. You can`t always blame (sue) the parents. Mother nature created these bad seeds so complain to her. I personally think violent criminals should be eliminated on their second strike
Senior. wrote on Feb 24, 2008 8:00 AM:Most posts that I can read now were made prior to 8:10 PM assume there was a group of guys in high school that knew each other and were going around messing with people. Some of them were messing with people, but that was a few years ago. After high school some got worse and did multiple robberies and worse. Some cleaned up their act and went on to college and behaved well and were looking forward to regular careers as teachers, and some have already contributed positively to society already, and you writers are assuming each of the persons arrested are now part of a criminal street gang which can double the legal penalties. They are all lumping all these persons together. Did it occur to any of you that many times people are falsely accrued of crimes? That is why we have a legal system that tries to be fair, although it struggles.
Her are some example from posts already made.
“are these young men really sorry?” “ I’ll bet these criminals were a bunch of punks and bullies when they were at MVHS”, refreshing to see a gang recognized as a gang…”, “These ’boys’ deserve the stiffest penalties allowed by law.” and similar statements.
Senior wrote on Feb 24, 2008 8:34 AM:I do not really know much about criminal law. I did study several business law courses. However Ihave watched some court sessions and read some. But is it so complacated the attornes are sitting there with the judge frequently discussing which section of law overrides which other section. I think there are literly thousands of laws.
Senior wrote on Feb 24, 2008 9:20 AM:If the police and DA want to go after persons who did some bad things in MVHS and parents want to complain then, but the school authorities and/or police would not do anything about it then but wants to spend a lot of time and money to track them down now, even while what they did was relatively minor, and even if they now live in another state, and are in College preparing for a good career and have stayed out of trouble since high school, that is one matter. But now labeling them part of a criminal street gang brings serious problems with the law having become the big unstoppable unreasoning bully! I try to explain what I mean and see as some of the problems below. Remember the state legislature has made this enhancement law with the provision that it be applied only with great caution. Remember some of the persons arrested for past misdeeds perhaps could be punished for them as the actual misdeed calls for under the law. But the current arrangement deprives them far beyond what the law allows unless twisted this way.
I talked to a private investigator that also was a policeman for many years. He has spent many hours looking into one of these cases. There were several persons among the 11 arrested who did serious bad things and several who did not. Speaking of one of the other 10 the investigator SAID HE HAS NEVER IN HIS CAREER SEEN SUCH AN OUTRAGOUS RAILROADING OF ANYONE WITH SUCH OVERBLOWN CHARGES. Due to the lie they are a gang and excessive bail was set due to the gang enhancement charges they can in no way have a fair trial on the merits of the charges. They are in effect forced to plead guilty. One man I know sat in this same jail for 5 months without a public defender even visiting him or showing him the charges. He would have liked to plead guilty to one charge that he believed was a mistake by him. He is adamant he was not involved in the other event, which was a lesser charge. And he is not a gang member. The sentence could be doubled by the gang enhancement. Then the DA throws in more even overblown charges to scare him, and says that if he does not accept the plea offer PRIOR TO THE PRELIMINARY HEARING and admit he is guilty of BOTH charges and is also guilty of being a GANG member he will face twenty years in prison, but if he takes the plea now he can get off with eight years. Normally a person can make a plea bargain right up to the time of his trial. But this DA has said accept the plea now before the preliminary hearing or else go to trial. No second chance for a plea bargain later. This means being kept in this badly overcrowded jail for another two or three years waiting for trial and then face the sentence of 20 years at your trial. Again even knowing you are innocent you may have only a 50% chance of being found not guilty. So the result is the Gang Task Force gets another point for their report, and the DA gets another point to brag about his accomplishments when he runs for reelection or runs for start DA. I am thinking maybe there should be some kind of Federal Investigation of these violations of denial of a FAIR SPEEDY trial, and denial of Reasonable bail.
to Senior wrote on Feb 24, 2008 10:56 AM:You hit the nail right on the head. People just don't get it. Until it happens to them they won't get it. Believe me I felt the same way about things like this going on "no not my child" "I didn't bring up my child that way" "My child know right from wrong" "I put the fear in my child he won't go bad". What makes them think we are any different from them. WE ARE NOT.
to senior and others wrote on Feb 24, 2008 2:49 PM:I think it would be terrible if my kid got into such a mess and was sent to prison. I know that our legal system is harsh and not always fair but neither were the actions of these young men. They knew better and now they have to pay the price. It is sad but SO avoidable. The police and DA are so busy with the low hanging fruit i.e. dumb criminals who get caught easily that they don't have time to make stuff up about innocent people. I do hope my kid does not get involved with nonsense like this. When I was young I thought the police were unfair and were always hassling me but the funny thing is, when I stopped my bad behavior the cops never gave me second look. My point is this, if you go looking for trouble you will find it. These guys went looking for trouble and now you and few other people are fretting and wringing your hands at how unfair it all is. They could have avoided all this by being slightly better human beings. Now they have the time to reflect on their actions and make better decisions. You can blame the cops and the DA but the cops and DA only react when something bad happens. Look to the core of issues here. All could have been avoided so easily. PLease stop blaming the cops and DA for doing their jobs. Blame the young men who disrespected our community and caused harm to others first. Fix that problem and the need for cops and trials and jails go away. BTW... my kids hear about these stories all the time from me. They are fully aware that their bad actions could land them in jail and that I cannot help them if they do. They know the sentences will be long and that the men in these prisons are cruel and brutal. The california penal system is a terrible place for anyone and any parent that does not teach this lesson along with reading and writing and saying please has done a dis-service to their child. Instead of changing the legal system go to the young people of our community and warn them that this sort of behavior will end with severe punishment.
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