A Crescent City man was sentenced this morning to more than 40 years in state prison for attempting to kill an Arcata man during a failed murder-for-hire gang hit.

Judge Christopher Wilson sentenced 22-year-old Isreal Soria Jr. to a total of 43 years, including 15 years to life for attempted murder and 25 years to life for personal use of a firearm. Under California’s Youthful Offender Program, Soria can apply for parole in 20 years.

Soria.

“Mr. Soria has a rough road ahead of him, and a very long one,” the judge said, noting the large gang tattoo on the left side of Soria’s face.

A jury convicted Soria on Oct. 31 after deliberating about three hours. On June 24, 2021, Soria fired 11 rounds into Dylan Eubanks’s kitchen, striking him once in the arm. Soria fled but was quickly caught by officers. He admitted he’d been hired by the Norteno gang to kill Eubanks. The gang believed Eubanks had stolen from them.

Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm argued this morning for a 57-year sentence, which is what the Probation Department recommended.

“Mr. Soria’s conduct was so violent, so premeditated, that it warrants his removal from the community,” Timm said. But the prosecutor also pledged that if Soria turns his life around while in prison, “I’ll be there to speak up for him” when it comes time for parole.

Soria’s wife and infant son were in the courtroom audience this morning. So were a man — possibly Soria’s father — and woman who came into court with defense attorney Christina DiEdoardo. After the sentencing, the man was surrounded by officers, handcuffed and taken off to jail. He didn’t seem surprised.

During the hearing Soria read a statement expressing his remorse for what he called an act of selfishness. Now, he said, he won’t be there for the most important years of his child’s life.

“My wife and son don’t deserve this,” Soria said. “Mr. Eubanks didn’t deserve this.”

Soria said his selfish act could have cost Eubanks his life.

“That’s not who I want to be,” he said. “I’m very remorseful for what I’ve done. I understand what I’ve done and I understand the punishment.”

DiEdoardo had asked Wilson to strike the 25-years-to-life gun enhancement. He declined, saying the jury found that allegation true.

Soria testified in his own defense during the trial, saying he falsely confessed to the murder-for-hire plot because he was so high on drugs and alcohol. He also said he fired at Eubanks because he was holding an assault rifle and preparing to shoot.

Eubanks did not testify during the trial. But he told an ambulance crew he was talking on his phone when hit, and he had no idea where the bullet came from.

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