5 indicted in killing aimed at silencing witness

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) - January 22, 2009 Lee Reeves, Trishawn Cochran, Joseph Powell, James Russell and Jamell Scott are charged with murder. All are from Lakewood.

Athelma Vazquez was gunned down in her apartment in October just hours before Russell, Scott and a third man were set to stand trial for a gang-related slaying in a Lakewood barbershop in 2006.

Prosecutor's believe Vazquez was an innocent bystander and the intended target was her daughter's boyfriend. Christian Granados was scheduled to testify in the barbershop trial.

Granados testified, and Russell, Scott and the third man were convicted.

The reputed members of the Bloods street gang were sentenced to life in prison.

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Information from: Asbury Park Press, http://www.app.com

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