No verdict yet in Modesto murder trial

MODESTO -- A jury is expected to continue deliberating today in a murder trial against four purported Norteño gang members accused of a home-invasion robbery in Modesto that resulted in the shooting of a man as he pleaded for mercy.

Jaime Cerpa, Phillip Lopez, Angel Del Villar and Hector Rocha Jr. are being tried on charges of murder, home-invasion robbery and robbery.

The jury began deliberating Wednesday afternoon and continued Thursday, but had not reached a verdict.

The robbery occurred March 24, 2010, at a house in the 600 block of Thrasher Avenue in Modesto's airport neighborhood. Julio Jimenez was shot in the back three times during the robbery.

If convicted as charged, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in prison.