Edward Salas, 23, on Friday became the fourth defendant -- and the third brother -- to be convicted in the September 2005 shooting death of 10-year-old Clovis boy Carlos Perez, the Clovis News Journal reported.

The case went to the jury around noon Friday, and jurors deliberated for nearly four hours before returning verdicts of guilty of first-degree murder, attempted murder of the victim's older brother, shooting at a dwelling or occupied building, one count of bribery or intimidation of a witness, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and conspiracy to shoot at a building, the News Journal said.

He was acquitted of one count of bribery or intimidation of a witness, for what prosecutors had called alleged threats he made to Krystal Anson, a witness in the case.

Salas faces a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison without parole, and the possibility of 58 more years when he is sentenced some time in the next 30 days, after a presentence report is completed.

Salas' mother, Lisa Salas, had been threatened with arrest last week if she didn't respond to a subpoena to testify, but the News Journal reported that she took the stand on Thursday.

District Attorney Matt Chandler pointed out differences between her testimony Thursday and in the trial of another son, Demetrio Salas, who was convicted last year for first-degree murder in connection to Perez’ death, the News Journal said.

Last Thursday, the paper reported, Lisa Salas testified that she didn’t see Edward Salas the morning of the shooting between the time she came home from work at 12:30 a.m. and going to bed at 1:30 a.m.

When Chandler pointed out that she testified at the previous trial that she had seen Demetrio and Edward in their beds before she went sleep, Lisa Salas told the district attorney, “I lied, I guess." 

9:45am 4/10/08 -- Defendant's Mother Faces Arrest: Trial of man accused of killing 10-year-old Clovis boy could go to jury on Friday.

An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday afternoon for Lisa Salas, mother of 23-year-old Edward Salas, who is on trial this week for the Sept. 15, 2005 shooting death of 10-year-old Carlos Perez, the Clovis News Journal reported.

The warrant was issued after prosecutors were unable to find Lisa Salas to serve her with a subpoena to testify, according to an affidavit filed Wednesday in state District Court.

The affidavit said the defendant had advised his father -- Isidoro "Lolo" Salas, who took the stand on Wednesday -- to keep his mother away from the courthouse to keep her from testifying, according to the News Journal.

If she is apprehended, Lisa Salas will be held on a $15,000 bond for no more than five days until her testimony can be obtained, the paper said. 

The prosecution had hoped to call four police officers and the defendant's mother -- if she shows up -- before resting its case some time today, the News Journal reported.

State District Judge Ted Hartley told jurors he expects them to begin deliberating on Friday, the News Journal said.

Salas is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, shooting at a dwelling or occupied building, two counts of bribery or intimidation of a witness, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and conspiracy to shoot at a dwelling or occupied building, the paper reported.

Police and prosecutors have said the boy was killed by gunfire that was meant for his older brother.

Here, from the News Journal, is the status of other defendants charged in the case:

Orlando Salas, 18, pleaded guilty to charges related to the shooting in exchange for testimony against his brothers. He is in the custody of the Children Youth and Families Department until age 21.

Demetrio Salas, 22, was sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years in January for first-degree murder. He will be required to serve a minimum of 40 years.

David Griego, 31, was convicted of second-degree murder in January and was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Noe Torres, 29, remains at large.

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