Gang member guilty in guard’s death www.privateofficer.com

Palm Springs Ca April 10 2010 A Palm Springs gang member was convicted Wednesday of robbing and murdering a 66-year-old security guard who was dragged out of his van and attacked.

Jamar Thomas, 21, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the June 9, 2007, attack on Bower Security Co. guard Wallace Brown near Rosa Parks Road and El Dorado Boulevard.

Thomas, who prosecutors said was from the north side of Palm Springs, was also convicted of robbery and participating in a criminal street gang.

The jury found true special circumstance allegations of committing a murder for the benefit of a gang and murder in the commission of a robbery.

The penalty phase will begin Monday, when the six-woman, six-man jury will hear evidence to determine whether Thomas should be sentenced to death or life in prison without parole.

Also charged in Brown’s death and awaiting trial are alleged Northside Gateway Posse Crip gang members Darius Lee, 21, Jerrett Lewis, 20, and Akil Williams, 19.

“This is just one step in a process to get justice for Wallace Brown,” district attorney’s spokesman Michael Jeandron said after the verdict was announced.

Defense attorney John Hemmer declined comment.