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Gunman admits firing in drive-by Mail Tribune Comment By sanne specht MailTribune.com By sanne specht Posted Aug. 9, 2008 at 12:01 AM By sanne specht Posted Aug. 9, 2008 at 12:01 AM » RELATED CONTENT • Sentence sends message about gang violence • Jurors confirm Monday's verdict convicting Reyes-Real • Verdict questioned in drive-by shooting • Testimony describes gang-related drive-by shooting in February... • 3 suspects go to trial in drive-by shooting • Three drive-by shooting suspects await pretrial hearings • Three indicted in gang drive-by • Brothers will face charges for drive-by • Drive-by shooting boosts fears » Social News Mail Tribune The accused gunman in a February drive-by shooting took the stand Friday morning in Jackson County Circuit Court and testified that he fired in self-defense. German "Negro" Reyes-Real, 18, told the court that he saw a passenger in a Ford Escort cocking a handgun as they drove alongside the red Ford Escort before he fired. "I was scared," said Reyes-Real. Reyes-Real said he then asked Paul Valdez, 17, to hand him the .22-caliber rifle that was in the Mercury Marquis driven by his brother Gerardo "Compton" Reyes, 20. He said he leaned out the passenger-side window and fired at the Escort without intentionally aiming at the six passengers, he said. "I pulled the gun out the window and started firing," said Reyes-Real. Senior Deputy District Attorney Tim Barnack said Reyes-Real fired seven shots at the Escort's front windshield, and the bullets made their way through the car. The prosecutor pointed out that the four young men in the Mercury could have stopped their car, turned around or simply sped away if they felt threatened. Barnack accused the two brothers, along with Jose "Nephew" Laris, 18, and Valdez, of "going hunting" for Katie "Candy" Comacho, the driver of the Escort, because Comacho was allegedly chasing Valdez and Laris earlier in the day. "Somebody got the gun out because you were going hunting," Barnack said. Reyes-Real, and his brother, Reyes, both of Talent, along with Laris, 18, of Medford, each face six counts of attempted murder. Valdez, also of Medford, has not been charged in the case. Occupants of the Escort have testified that they ducked for cover. Just one passenger, 16-year-old Angel Mallory, sustained minor injuries. The girls called the police after the shooting, and initially hid the fact that Kevin Pelletier and Mallory were in the vehicle until confronted by police. Pelletier, 20, was sitting behind Comacho during the Feb. 18 shooting — in the seat where Reyes-Real said he saw someone flash a gun. A convicted felon, Pelletier remains on probation in connection with a second-degree burglary conviction in June 2007. Pelletier testified Friday that he was intoxicated at the time of the incident and didn't remember any details. Barnack challenged Pelletier, reading at length from a 13-page statement Pelletier gave to Medford police detective Mark Bell two days after the shooting. Pelletier then agreed he'd told police in the statement that Reyes-Real pointed the weapon first at Comacho, then at the front passenger, and finally at those seated in the back seat. Several of Laris' family members testified Friday afternoon. His girlfriend, Griselda Sandoval, said she'd argued with Laris about leaving the house that night, and especially about taking the rifle with him, she said. "I told him 'You're not going anywhere. I was holding him back and he just left,'" Sandoval said. Laris' aunt, Erika Soto, said her nephew had recently acquired the rifle to protect himself and his family from gang violence. Soto said Laris had already been assaulted, and she herself was being targeted. Soto described graphic threats of rape made against her via telephone. "They said they were going to tie me to a bed..." Soto said, adding she was followed to work and changed her work hours for her protection. Soto wept during her testimony, saying police had failed to protect her family. Laris had many female family members to protect, she added. "What is he supposed to do?" Soto cried. Laris and Reyes have declined to testify on their own behalf. The trial will resume on Monday at 8:30 a.m., said Judge Ron Grensky. Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail [email protected]. By sanne specht MailTribune.com By sanne specht Posted Aug. 9, 2008 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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