EVERETT, Wash. – Tuesday was day one in the murder trial of a local teenager accused of helping fellow gang members stab a 17-year-old to death.
Ana Ayala Bustos, 16, is the only teen to plead not guilty in the fatal attack on Antonio Marks. Marks was killed last year in downtown Sultan. The trial is expected to last several days.
Marks' mother Angelina Reyes sat in the courtroom.
"He told me he was in a gang, but he didn't know how to get out" said Reyes. "The last conversation I had with him, he said 'just checking in', I said 'I love you.'"
The murder was a surprise to local law enforcement officials who are trying to stop gang activity, but until now, have recently, have only seen small crimes.
"The Sultan murder came out of left field" says Ian Huri, a deputy with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office and member of the gang community response team. "(Antonio Marks) was a good kid with a great smile. He just couldn't get out in time"
The sheriff's office says there are 800 known gang members and affiliates in Snohomish County.
"My advice to parents is to never let your guard down" says Reyes, fighting back tears. "Get involved in their life and, if they need help, help them before it's too late."
At least one bill was introduced in the state Legislature to help fight small town gang activity. It did not survive.
