Arraignment of two men arrested for killing Jordan Hickey

CHULA VISTA (CNS) – Two reputed gang members accused of a thrill-killing of a developmentally disabled young man riding a bicycle in Lincoln Acres last year pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges Friday.

Humberto Emanuel Galvez, 19, and Juan Ignacio Gomez, 21, were charged with murder, plus allegations of gun use and gang involvement, and robbery in a separate case, Deputy District Attorney David Grapilon said.

They are accused of the April 29, 2011, shooting of Jordan Hickey, 21, of nearby National City.

Sheriff's deputies responding to a report of gunfire found Hickey mortally wounded near his downed beach cruiser on a sidewalk alongside Grove Street, a few blocks from his home. He died at the scene, despite medics' attempts to save his life.

“These two defendants were driving around, essentially looking for someone to shoot,” Grapilon said. “They'd armed themselves with a shotgun.”

Galvez and Gomez happened to pull up alongside Hickey, who they didn't appear to know, the prosecutor said.

“They shot him at close range three times with a shotgun,” Grapilon said. He said they fired “for the thrill of it.”

Authorities have not revealed what led them to the defendants, other than the investigation heated up in recent weeks.

Judge Katherine Bacal set bail at $2 million and scheduled a readiness conference for next Wednesday at the South Bay Courthouse.

The defendants face 65 years to life in prison if convicted.