The Ventura man was convicted Friday of the 2012 murder

VENTURA, Calif. – Gilbert Villanueva was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the 2012 killing of 14-year-old Joshua Angel Burciaga, the sentence announced by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office (VCDAO).

Villanueva pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder on May 3 and admitted to the special charge that the crime was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang, according to VCDAO.

Villanueva and another man went to Saticoy Park on June 27, 2012 and recognized Burciaga, seeking revenge for the injuries of another gang member, VCDAO explained.

Burciaga tried to run, but both Villanueva and the other man fired revolvers at him until he fell and fired additional shots as Burciaga begged for his life and was later pronounced dead at the scene, VCDAO detailed .

Both the Ventura man and the other man fled and tried to hide and destroy evidence linking them to the crime, according to VCDAO.

The medical examiner’s report found that Burciaga suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including two to the head at close range, VCDAO explained.

Villanueva was arrested on July 17, 2012 for the murder, and two murder weapons were wrapped in the same bandanas both men were wearing that night and found buried at a Santa Paula ranch, VCDAO detailed.

Villanueva was 17 at the time of the crime, but prosecutors successfully argued for the case to be taken to adult court because of the seriousness, according to VCDAO.

Villanueva’s partner in crime was also 17 years old at the time of the crime and was arrested on October 3, 2012, for his involvement in the crime, VCDAO explained.

The partner was also sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for his involvement, VCDAO detailed.