2011 PATRICIA LEWIS WITNESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Henry and Joseph Ramirez, both of San Bernardino, received the 2011 Patricia Lewis Witness of the Year Award Tuesday, June 21.

The Award, presented by the California District Attorneys Association, is named after Patricia Lewis, a South-Central Los Angeles woman who testified about a street gang murder in 1982.

Both Henry and Joseph Ramirez received the award based on their testimony last year in the murder trial of their younger brother, 11-year-old Anthony Ramirez.

"The courage exhibited by these two young men was an inspiration to the public as well as the legal and law enforcement community here in San Bernardino," said Deputy District Attorney Jim McGee, who was the lead prosecutor of the case.

On June 21, 2006, Defendant James Bagsby, then 15, after spending the afternoon drinking and smoking marijuana with his fellow gang members, approached the Ramirez brothers and a group of their friends who were playing basketball at Martin Luther King Middle School in San Bernardino.

Bagsby and a fellow gang member asked, "Where are you from?" and "Do you gang bang?" After the children replied, "We don't bang," the two gang members walked away and the boys returned to their game.

Moments later, Bagsby pulled a handgun out from his waistband and fired eleven shots at the group of children on the basketball court. Anthony, who was struck once in the back, died less than an hour later at the hospital.

The trial started on March 15, 2010, and lasted an entire month. While many of the children present that day testified, according to prosecutors, it was the testimony of Henry and Joseph Ramirez that "touched everyone who heard it."

"Through their pain and courage," said McGee, "Bagsby was convicted of second degree murder with use of a firearm and ten counts of assault with a firearm and was sentenced to 107 years-to-life in prison."

In a brief acceptance speech, both boys dedicated their awards to the memory of their murdered brother Anthony Ramirez.

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• James Mcgee
• 2011 Witness of the Year Award

[babcockmail]

A wonderful tribute to Anthony, shot and killed at age 11. His brothers were reticent to testify... it brought up all the horrible memories. I attended the court trial on a regular basis, to be with the boys and support their mom Michelle. I hope it is another 'step' in the process of healing and whatever 'closure' means.

[mrsmchlle]

I am very happy for the Ramirez brothers. It takes a lot of courage to confront, and testify against a gang member. May their beloved brother rest in peace. Also, thanks to the DA's office for providing closure to the family.