Man sentenced to 25 years after admitting to killing rival

HAMMOND, Ind. (AP) – A 25-year prison sentence has been handed down to an Indiana street gang member who pleaded guilty to murder and racketeering conspiracy charges.

Julian Guillermo Serna of Munster entered his plea in December 2013 and was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon.

The 25-year-old Serna was accused in the March 25, 2008, shooting death of 28-year-old Mario Soriano of East Chicago. The shooting occurred during an outburst of violence between factions of the Imperial Gangsters street gang.

According to prosecutors, while riding in a car, Serna saw Soriano riding in another car. When Soriano began to lower his window, Serna shot repeatedly into the car, killing Soriano. The men had engaged in previous gun battles.

Federal prosecutors say of the 24 Imperial Gangsters who were indicted in this case, all have pleaded guilty or been convicted.