Gang Member Christopher Lee Savala Convicted of First-Degree Murders of Two Men

By Brian Hews

LOS ANGELES – Christopher Lee Savala, a 33-year-old gang member from East Los Angeles, has been convicted in the first-degree murders of two men nearly four years ago.

Deputy District Attorney Sarika Kim of the Hardcore Gang Division said a Los Angeles Superior Court jury deliberated about an hour and a half before returning the verdicts against Savala.

Benjamin Renteria and Diego Vargas, both 22, were shot to death in March 2008 by Savala, a Bell gang member. The shooting occurred in unincorporated county territory in East Los Angeles. The murders were the subject of several media reports throughout Southern California.

The jury found “true the special circumstances of multiple murders and gang murders, along with gun and gang allegations,” Kim said in a statement.

Savala faces sentencing on Jan. 11 by Judge Ronald S. Coen, who presided over the trial.

“Because the District Attorney’s office opted not to seek the death penalty, the defendant will be sentenced to spend the remainder of his life in state prison,” Kim said.

Authorities said Savala was socializing with four acquaintances in the 1200 block of South Herbert Avenue when the victims, reportedly with a rival Maywood gang, showed up. Words were exchanged, shots were fired and the victims lay mortally wounded.

Savala fled, but was arrested by Sheriff’s deputies a few hours after the shooting. He has remained in custody since then.

How To Draw Everything: 300 Drawings of Cute Stuff, Animals, Food, Gifts, and other Amazing Things | Book For Kids

(3407)

$10.90 (as of April 17, 2025 06:22 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

TOSY Flying Ring - 16 Million Color RGB or 12 LEDs, Super Bright, Lost Mode, Auto Light Up, Easter Basket Stuffers Essentials for Kids/Teens/boy/Girl, Safe & Soft, Waterproof, Lightweight

(5455)

$15.99 (as of April 17, 2025 06:22 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

TOSY Flying Disc - 16 Million Colors RGB or 36 LEDs, Extremely Bright, Smart Modes, Easter Basket Stuffers Essentials for Teens/Kids/Adults/Men/Boys/Girls, Auto Light Up, Rechargeable, 175g

(4205)

$30.39 (as of April 17, 2025 06:22 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Silonn Ice Maker Countertop, Portable Ice Machine with Carry Handle, Self-Cleaning Ice Makers with Basket and Scoop, 9 Cubes in 6 Mins, 26 lbs per Day, Ideal for Home, Kitchen, Camping, RV

(4314)

$69.98 (as of April 17, 2025 06:22 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

WUBEN G5 Rechargeable EDC Flashlight, 400 Lumens Dual Light Sources Mini Flashlight with RGB Light, Portable Flat Pocket Flashlights, Magnetic Keychain Flashlight for Outdoor Home Emergencies (Black)

(17)

(as of April 16, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Cricut Explore 4 - Smart Cutting Machine (Seashell) | Digital Content Bundle - Includes Images in Design Space App

(30)

$249.00 (as of April 16, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Armor All Protectant, Glass and Cleaning Wipes, Wipes for Car Interior and Car Exterior, 30 Count Each (Pack of 3)

(15786)

$12.22 (as of April 17, 2025 06:22 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Amazon Echo Show 15 (newest model), Full HD 15.6" kitchen hub for home organization, with built-in Fire TV and Alexa

(1249)

$299.99 (as of April 16, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

All-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition Case, Lightweight and Water-Safe, Foldable Protective Cover - Fabric

(3147)

$36.99 (as of April 16, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

4E's Novelty DIY Paper Mache Easter Eggs to Paint 12 Pack - Paintable & Fillable Blank Easter Eggs Crafts for Kids & Adults, for Easter Arts Classroom Activities & DIY Projects

(5)

$13.99 (as of April 16, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)