Modesto fugitive in deadly shooting appears in court

A Modesto man, who was a fugitive for more than six years, appeared in a Stanislaus County courtroom for the first time Friday afternoon to face a charge of murder in a gang-related shooting.

Authorities say Armando Pulido, 31, played a role in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Victor Gaona. Pulido pleaded not guilty and denied the enhancements added to his criminal charge.

The shooting occurred when a gang-related fight between two groups broke out about 11:15 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2008, near Ustick Road and Dezzani Lane, just south of West Hatch Road in south Modesto.

Deputy District Attorney Marlisa Ferreira told the judge that Pulido should be kept in jail without bail. She argued that Pulido had left for Mexico to evade capture and his release would create a risk of him leaving the country again.

Bruce Perry, Pulido’s court-appointed attorney, told the judge that the defendant is entitled to have his bail amount set. He argued that whether it’s $1 or $2 million, it won’t be easy for his client to post bail.

Superior Court Judge Linda McFadden set Pulido’s bail at $10 million. She scheduled the defendant to return to court Jan. 12 for a pretrial hearing.

This story was originally published January 2, 2015 at 6:37 PM with the headline "Modesto fugitive in deadly shooting appears in court."