2 Plan Appeal of Sons’ Murder Convictions

The mothers of two teen-age Latinos who were convicted last week of second-degree murder for a gang attack in which a San Clemente youth was killed said Wednesday that they will file an appeal in the case.

Both defended their sons during a meeting here of 75 members of Los Amigos, a Latino rights organization.

Amigos members voiced their support of Julio Perez Bonilla, 18, and Hector Penuelas, 17, San Clemente residents who were convicted in last year’s slaying of 17-year-old Steve Woods, whose skull was pierced by a paint-roller rod during a confrontation on a San Clemente Beach.

“They are the salt of the earth, they are our brothers, and we can’t separate ourselves from their plight,” Amigos Chairman Amin David said of the youths, who may be sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. “If there is anything we can do, just let us know.”

The mothers, who spoke after the meeting, proclaimed their sons’ innocence and contended that court-appointed attorneys failed to adequately defend them. They said they were not sure when they would file the appeal, but by law they cannot file it until 60 days after the verdict.

“My son is innocent, this was all an accident and he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Maria Perez said of her son.

“They didn’t do anything wrong,” said Penuelas’ mother, Elena Penuelas. “The defense attorneys just didn’t know how to defend them. They had no defense.”

The two remain in Orange County Jail.

Rolando Penuelas, 15, said he talks to his brother Hector as much as he can by telephone. He too says he is convinced of his brother’s innocence.

“My brother wasn’t in a gang,” he said. “And everybody thought he was, which is probably why they thought he was guilty.”

Neither defense attorney could be reached for comment on the case.