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Court briefs for August 23, 2001

Thursday, Aug. 23, 2001 | 10:34 a.m.

Murder charges are dropped

Murder charges have been dismissed against a Las Vegas man arrested in connection with a February shooting death.

Deputy District Attorney Robert Daskas said there isn't enough evidence at this time to convict Thomas Sterling of murder.

Sterling, 18, was arrested in the death of Ricky Chiles, 21, in April.

Police believe Chiles death is one in a long string of gang-related shootings in North Las Vegas.

Driver receives 5 years' probation

A Las Vegas man who failed to show up Monday for his sentencing in an involuntary manslaughter case was sentenced to five years' probation Wednesday.

District Judge Nancy Saitta also ordered Isidro Rubio to pay $21,000 restitution in connection with the May 28 death of Faustino Palomar, 87, according to Chief Deputy District Attorney Gary Booker said.

Rubio, 18, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in June, but missed his original sentencing date on Monday.

Should Rubio violate the terms of his plea agreement, he could receive up to 34 months in prison.

Booker said he believes Rubio's inexperience in driving caused him to accidentally step on the gas instead of the brake while driving near Owens and Eastern avenues on May 28.

Rubio lost control of the car, which hit a retaining wall, causing the air bag to deploy. The car then struck Palomar and two parked cars.

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