2 men get 40 to life for Natomas gang-related killing | Crime

SACRAMENTO, CA - Two men found guilty of murder in the fatal shooting of a rival gang member two and a half years ago were sentenced to 40 years to life in prison in Sacramento Superior Court Thursday.

Nicholas Newsome and Sean Joyner were convicted of the second-degree murder of David Blanks at the Natomas Center Court parking lot on Oct. 24, 2009. The pair were also found guilty of firearm charges and a gang enhancement that the murder was for the benefit of the Oak Park Bloods.

The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office said Blanks, who was a 29th Street Crip, was walking with his fiance and another couple to their cars when they encountered  Newsome and Joyner. According to court records, there was a verbal exchange and then the defendants pulled out a gun and fired. Blanks was hit six times.