Suspect Pleads Guilty to 181 Years in Prison for Pasadena Triple Murder Shooting in 2014

46-year-old John Izeal Smith pleaded guilty Thursday to murdering three people and trying to kill another during a 2014 shooting rampage in Pasadena.

John Izeal Smith entered his plea to two counts of first-degree murder and one count each of second-degree murder, attempted murder and assault with an assault weapon on a peace officer, Greg Risling, Public Information Officer at the LA County DA’s office, said.

Smith is scheduled to be sentenced to 181 years to life in state prison on February 1.

Deputy District Attorneys Garrett Dameron and Geoff Lewin of the Crimes Against Peace Officers Section prosecuted the case.

On July 12, 2014, Smith got into a domestic altercation with 59-year-old Maria Teresa Aguiar, grabbed an assault rifle and opened fire. Aguilar was killed along with her elderly father, Luis Fernando Aguiar, 91. Smith then turned the weapon on neighbors, killing Jose Hernandez Uribe, 32, who lived just north on Summit Street and apparently had ran to try to offer aid to his neighbors.

Smith barricaded himself inside the home in the 1700 block of North Summit Avenue and called police. Police said Smith shot about 40 rounds at a number of other people, including Pasadena police officers who responded to the scene, but nobody else was struck.

An Emergency Services Operator at Pasadena Police headquarters spoke with Smith assisted by crisis negotiators, and convinced the suspect to surrender.

Smith was arrested and booked on three counts of murder and other charges.

“Today’s guilty plea entered by Smith, underscores the relentless pursuit of predators in our community by the men and women of the Pasadena Police Department. I could not be more proud of the team of detectives that committed themselves to this investigation, in particular Sgt. Carolyn Gordon who served as the Lead Investigator. It is through their efforts and dedication to duty that we achieve these types of outcomes. It is also my hope that today’s guilty plea helps to bring solace and closure to the family members that were victimized by Suspect Smith on July 12, 2014,” Pasadena Police Chief Phillip L. Sanchez said Thursday night.