No Charges Filed in Fatal Stabbing
SANTA CLARITA — Prosecutors have declined to file assault charges against two Val Verde men who were accused of sparking a confrontation that led to the first gang-related death here in six years.
The two men, Noe Corona and Hermilo Talamantez, were believed to be friends of Jimmy Yoguez, who was stabbed to death the night of Aug. 8 in Newhall. Authorities said Yoguez, Corona and Talamantez had threatened Franklin Leon with metal pipes before Leon fatally stabbed Yoguez, 17, in a fight.
Authorities declined this week to file murder charges against Leon, 18, saying the stabbing appeared to be in self-defense, although the investigation is continuing.
Sheriff’s deputies had arrested Corona, 25, and Talamantez, 22, on suspicion of assault, but the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office decided Tuesday not to file charges.
“No one has identified these persons [Corona and Talamantez] as the ones carrying or wielding or displaying the deadly weapons involved,” said Deputy Dist. Atty. Dan Damon. “There isn’t sufficient evidence.”
The investigation, however, remains open. “It’s not a closed matter,” Damon said.
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