Deal made in killing over pit bull puppies

Kim Smith

Monday, Oct. 23, 2000 | 11:16 a.m.

A California man accused of gunning down another man over a litter of pit bull puppies took a deal Friday.

Prosecutors maintain Deangelo Jackson, 20 was shot to death in July 1999 following an argument with cousins Eliodora Cabrera Jr., 20, Adam Aguilar, 22, and Ismael Vargas, 20. The men had agreed to split a litter of six puppies, but they couldn't decide who should get the puppies after three of the puppies died.

Although he did not admit his guilt on Friday, Aguilar conceded that the state has enough evidence to convict him of first-degree murder and battery causing substantial bodily harm.

As a result of the deal, Aguilar is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 27 to 50 years in prison with parole possible after 20 years. He could also get up to five years on the battery charge, but that will be served at the same time as the murder sentence, according to the deal.

Prosecutors also agreed to ask the Nevada Department of Prisons to transfer Aguilar to California so he can serve out his time near family.

Vargas pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to a felony in May and Cabrera took the same deal Thursday.

Both men are awaiting sentencing and could receive probation or as much as five years in prison.

Aguilar and Cabrera had been scheduled to go to trial Monday.