The Law Offices of Robert Schwartz has been featured in media coverage involving high-profile criminal cases and legal matters. Our press coverage highlights Mr. Schwartz's experience as a criminal defense attorney and his work representing clients facing serious criminal charges.
Explore our media and press coverage to learn more about our work and experience. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges or an investigation, contact the Law Offices of Robert Schwartz at 310-312-8052 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options.
Newspaper Articles
Read newspaper coverage featuring Robert Schwartz and his work representing clients in significant criminal cases and legal proceedings
Marvin Mercado Case
Los Angeles Daily News — “Attorney asks jury to spare Asian Boyz leader's life”
March 1st, 2011
Mr. Schwartz represented Marvin Mercado during the penalty phase of his capital murder trial. Schwartz argued that Mercado had built a new, crime-free life in the Philippines after fleeing the United States and urged the jury to consider his rehabilitation when determining his sentence. He also argued that the evidence did not establish that Mercado was the actual shooter in the murders. The jury ultimately recommended life in prison without the possibility of parole rather than the death penalty.
Los Angeles Times — “Asian Boyz Shot-Caller Gets Life in Prison in 8 Slayings and 10 Shootings”
March 8th, 2011
Mr. Schwartz represented Marvin Mercado, a founder and shot-caller of the Asian Boyz gang, in a capital murder case involving eight killings and 10 shootings. Schwartz presented evidence of Mercado's rehabilitation and crime-free life in the Philippines. The jury ultimately chose life in prison without the possibility of parole rather than the death penalty.
Christian Ortiz Case
Santa Clarita Valley Signal — “Man Accused of Killing Boyfriend Acquitted of Murder Charge, Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter”
May 18th, 2022
Mr. Schwartz represented Christian Ortiz in a highly contested murder trial involving the 2017 death of Ortiz's boyfriend, Brayan Rodriguez. Schwartz argued that Rodriguez's death was accidental and resulted from erotic asphyxiation, rather than an intentional killing. After several days of deliberation, the jury acquitted Ortiz of murder and found him guilty of the lesser offense of involuntary manslaughter.
San Fernando Sun — “Santa Clarita Man Sentenced to Time Served in Boyfriend's Death”
June 30th, 2022
Christian Ortiz was acquitted of murder and convicted of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Brayan Rodriguez. Ortiz maintained that Rodriguez's death was accidental, and he was ultimately sentenced to three years, which he had already served in custody.
John Stolpe Case
Los Angeles Times — “Police Officer Running for Mayor Is Arrested”
April 9th, 2006
John Stolpe, a Long Beach police officer and mayoral candidate, was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure and resisting arrest. The article reports on his arrest, release on bail, and suspension from the Long Beach Police Department pending an investigation.
Long Beach Press Telegram — “Stolpe Cleared of Exposing Himself”
September 10th, 2007
Mr. Schwartz represented John Stolpe in a six-day jury trial involving charges of indecent exposure and resisting arrest. Schwartz challenged the credibility of the arresting park ranger and presented witnesses in support of the defense. The jury ultimately found Stolpe not guilty of both charges.
Bryn Spejcher Case
Ventura County Star — “Trial for Woman Who Killed During Cannabis-Induced Psychosis Begins with Grisly Evidence”
November 10th, 2023
Mr. Schwartz represented Bryn Spejcher in the trial involving the 2018 stabbing death of Chad O'Melia. Schwartz argued that Spejcher experienced a severe cannabis-induced psychotic episode that affected her perception and actions at the time of the killing.
Ventura County Star — “Bryn Spejcher Found Guilty in Cannabis-Induced Killing of Man She Dated"
December 1st, 2023
Mr. Schwartz represented Spejcher at trial and presented a defense focused on her cannabis-induced psychosis and lack of intent to kill. The jury ultimately found Spejcher guilty of involuntary manslaughter rather than murder.
NBC News — “California Woman Gets Probation for Fatally Stabbing Man She Dated, Causing 108 ‘Sharp-Force Injuries'”
January 25th, 2024
Following her conviction for involuntary manslaughter, Spejcher was sentenced to two years of probation and 100 hours of community service, with no jail time. Mr. Schwartz said the judge's decision reflected the evidence presented at trial and that the judge acted courageously in imposing a probationary sentence.
Steven Anthony Jones Case
Los Angeles Times — “Steven Anthony Jones, a ‘Killing Machine,' Sentenced to Death”
August 15th, 2009
Robert Schwartz represented Steven Anthony Jones in a highly publicized capital murder case involving multiple killings and other violent offenses. During the penalty phase, Schwartz presented evidence regarding Jones' abusive childhood and argued that his traumatic upbringing contributed to his violent behavior. Despite the defense's mitigation efforts, Jones was ultimately sentenced to death.