Teens Involved in San Rafael Gang Death Plead Guilty to Reduced Charges

Two defendants involved in a San Rafael gang fight that ended in the death of a Corte Madera man plead guilty Monday to reduced charges.

Carlos Gutierrez, 18, plead guilty to one count of battery and Bryan Sandoval Rocha, 17, plead guilty to one count of assault and one count of engaging in gang activity, according to Rocha's attorney, Steve Shaiken.

Rocha could face is six years in custody and Gutierrez could face four years, Shaiken said. Both defendants originally faced life sentences.

On May 11, both Rocha and Gutierrez that began at the and ended in Gerstle Park. Jeffrie Lee Olmstead, a 21-year-old man from Corte Madera, was stabbed during the skirmish and was pronounced dead at . Rocha and Gutierrez were

Two others were arrested after the killing, including one 17-year-old boy who had attended . The unnamed minor faced charges of participating in a street gang in juvenile court.

In June, Rocha and Gutierrez , saying that they were acting in self defense.

"After looking at the police evidence, I think anyone would agree that most juries would see this as self-defense," Shaiken said.

Gutierrez awaits to be sentenced in January, and Rocha will be sentenced in February.

"Whenever someone is killed, it's a tragedy. Whenever young people, like my client, come through the justice system, it's a tragedy," Shaiken said. "But I think the defendants were treated fairly by the prosecution."