Man on trial for double shooting in Planada

MERCED COUNTY, Calif (KFSN) -- A man accused of shooting a young North Valley couple is now on trial for attempted murder.

Investigators say Johnny Munoz and three other gang members shot the teens in Planada because one of the victims happened to be wearing a blue sweatshirt.

Johnny Munoz's was first arrested back in 2010. Now, he's finally on trial for attempted murder. On Tuesday, a former co-defendant testified against him despite concerns for his own safety.

Ezequiel Castillo told jurors about the night Justin Gonzalez and Monica Garcia were shot outside her home. Garcia was the senior class president at Le Grand High at the time, and her boyfriend had stopped by to console her after a disappointing volleyball game. They were standing in the driveway when bullets struck Garcia in the head and Gonzalez in the back.

Deputy District Attorney Matthew Martinez said, "These are truly innocent victims that we've got, and for them to finally get their day in court is satisfying."

Castillo testified that Munoz and two other gang members pressured him to drive to a party in Planada, but he never knew they were planning to shoot anyone. He said they spotted Gonzalez in a color worn by a rival gang, so he parked nearby while the others went to take a closer look. Moments later, he heard gunfire.

But the defense attorney insists Munoz was not in the car that night. He says Castillo only changed his story and testified as part of a plea deal with an 11 year sentence to avoid life in prison.

The two other defendants in this case also pleaded guilty to reduced charges. One was sentenced to 37 years, while the other is facing 15 years to life.

As for the two victims, they have both recovered from major injuries, and family members say they're doing very well.