Adrian Robles Guilty of 1st Degree Murder

SANTA BARBARA – A Santa Barbara gang member has been found guilty of first degree murder for a fatal knife attack at Hendry’s Beach in April 15th, 2010.Adrian Robles killed Robert Simpson during a fight at Hendry’s Beach, also known as Arroyo Burro beach. Witnesses watched in horror as Robles came up from behind Simpson and slashed his throat. Simpson died at the scene and Robles escaped in a car. The guilty verdict against Robles includes enhancements for the use of a deadly weapon and that Robles is a known gang member.The trial started about five weeks ago and included testimony from witnesses who were at the beach that day. At one point during the trial, Judge Brian Hill took the jury out to the scene.The fight started in the afternoon on April 15th. Two groups had been drinking alcohol at the beach that day and started arguing. Insults led to a fight between local gang members and the group Simpson was hanging out with. During the fight Robles went to a nearby parked car and got a knife. By the time he returned to the beach the fight was over, but he approached Simpson anyway and cut his throat.We’ll have more on this story throughout the afternoon and tonight on KEY News.