Gang members sentenced for beating man to death

Two of four people who beat a man to death on his way home from work were sentenced for murder Tuesday.

George Ied was walking home on Punta Gorda Street in Santa Barbara in October 2010 when he was attacked by four men.

The court found Michael Cardenas did the worst of the beating and egged the others on. Judge Brian Hill sentenced him to 18 years to life in prison for second degree murder and committing crimes to benefit a street gang.

Ismael Parra was convicted of the same crimes, but only received 15 years to life in prison. The judge said Parra’s blows were more restrained.

Even though the trial is over, prosecutors don’t have an obvious motive for the attack.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Hilary Dozer said, “The group wanted to get more money so they could buy more beers so they could continue partying throughout the night. That’s one theory. The other theory is these are gang members who really don’t need much reason to assault private citizens.”

Two other people involved in the murder, Steven Santana and Miguel Parra, have yet to be sentenced. Santana pleaded guilty to manslaughter and testified against the other three.