Deliberations Begin in Bus-Stop Slaying Trial

A jury of seven women and five men began deliberations Thursday in the murder trial of Kent Anguiano, 38, accused of killing Luis Lopez, 25, at a Costa Mesa bus stop eight years ago.

If convicted, Anguiano could be sentenced to life in prison.

In the fast-paced trial, which began Monday in Superior Court in Santa Ana, the prosecution portrayed Anguiano as a bully out to prove himself to his tough crowd of friends.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Debbie Lloyd said Anguiano had a hatred for Mexicans and that he had noticed Lopez at a bar on the night of the murder.

Her case rested mostly on witnesses who testified that Anguiano told them he was Lopez’s killer.

Defense attorney Sherry Garrels attacked the credibility of those witnesses, many admitted drug users, and pointed out inconsistencies in their testimony from prior statements to police and during preliminary hearings.

Anguiano, who testified on his own behalf, appeared calm during Thursday’s proceedings. His brother, Bruce Anguiano, said the defendant is trying to keep a positive outlook.

“He feels great,” Bruce Anguiano said. “He is very positive about the outcome.”