Teen linked to deadly National City shooting awaits sentencing for two separate gun-related cases

SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI)-- The teenager facing gun-related charges in connection to a shooting at an illegal party in National City that left a 12-year-old boy dead appeared in court for what was supposed to be his sentencing in two other cases involving gun charges.

He will now have to wait until October 16 to learn his fate.

“I am requesting a continuance to file sentencing documents, file a sentencing memorandum in this case. I do have mitigating evidence that I’d like to present to the court for the court to consider before the court sentences Mr. Maldonado," said Maldonado's lawyer.

The 18-year-old was awaiting his fate on a supervised release order, but it was revealed at the hearing by the prosecutor that he had violated the order on three occasions.

“A Court Order has to have meaning. When a court orders someone to comply with conditions, they follow those conditions or they suffer the consequences. The prosecution is arguing on many occasions that you should be remanded into custody, and I’ve given you an extra opportunity to prove yourself to the court and follow the court orders. You obviously have proven that you aren’t taking this seriously," said Judge Dwayne Moring.

Judge Moring ordered Maldonado to head to jail without bail to await his sentencing.

“The first violation, he was associating with gang members in violation of his SOR conditions—throwing up gang signs at a local park, and now, here within 2 weeks of his sentencing hearing, we have Mr. Maldonado violating curfew on three separate occasions," Moring said.

Loved ones of 12-year-old Elijah Smith, who died in the National City shooting that Maldonado was arrested in connection with, were in the courtroom, and some appeared relieved when the teen walked away in handcuffs.

When Maldonado was arrested in March, he was not immediately charged with the death of Elijah Smith.