Hammond man found guilty of murder in stabbing at bar
23.05.12
Lake Superior Court jurors convicted a Merrillville man of murder at a Hammond bar and could decide Wednesday if he faces double the penalty because of his alleged criminal gang affiliation.
Jurors deliberated less than two hours before convicting Ernesto Roberto Ramirez, 31, of murder and criminal gang activity in the stabbing death of Victor Adams, 34, of West Lafayette. Jurors are expected to return Wednesday for the criminal gang sentencing enhancement phase of the trial before Judge Thomas Stefaniak Jr. The enhancement means Ramirez faces 90 to 130 years in prison.
In closing arguments, deputy prosecutor Michelle Jatkiewicz said surveillance footage shows Ramirez intentionally stabbed Victor Adams in the neck after Adams disrespected Ramirez’s gang and got the best of him in a fight early on Jan. 13, 2011, at the Copper Penny Bar in Hammond
In his closing argument, defense attorney John Cantrell said Ramirez was defending himself from an attack by Adams and his friends. “He did what he had to do – it’s kill or be killed,” Cantrell said.
Source: Post-Tribune