Los Angeles - On November 29, 1998, Los Angeles Police Officer Brian Brown was murdered while pursuing gang members who had just killed an innocent victim. Today, Jaime Mares, a 23 year old gang member from Inglewood, was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole by the jury who, last week, convicted him of the murder of Brian Brown.

The Los Angeles Police Department is pleased that justice was carried out in this case. Chief Parks stated, "Brian was a terrific young man who served his community well and did not deserve to die. While there is never sufficient punishment to compensate for the loss of a life, I truly hope that this conviction and sentencing will bring a level of closure to this episode. I want Brian's family to always know that the entire LAPD family will never forget him and his contributions to the people of the Los Angeles Community."

Formal sentencing for Jaime Mares is tentatively scheduled to take place in two weeks.

This press release was prepared by Sergeant John Pasquariello, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.