Remaining suspect pleads guilty in Bolsa slayings

The fourth and final person facing charges in connection with the triple homicide at Bolsa Vietnamese restaurant on New Year’s Day 2009 has admitted his role in the gangrelated slayings.

Nicholas Hovanesian, 26, pleaded guilty through lawyer Maureen McConaghy on Friday to kidnapping one of the victims, Aaron Bendle, and to accessory after the fact to murder.

Crown prosecutor Shane Parker said Hovanesian, who had faced three counts of first-degree murder as well as kidnapping, pleaded to charges that reflect his role in the daytime incident. Parker said he looked at the evidence from the preliminary inquiry last year and determined what charges were appropriate.

“It really looked like his principal role was in the kidnapping of Aaron Bendle the night before,” Parker said. “He was not one of the shooters inside the restaurant or outside the restaurant.”

Hovanesian is believed to have been a passenger in the getaway car driven by M.M., a key witness in the case for the Crown who admitted he was involved in the kidnapping and planning of the murders. M.M. was given immunity from prosecution in exchange for his testimony.

Two of the shooters — FOB gang members Michael Roberto, 28, and Nathan Zuccherato, 25 — were each convicted last year of three counts of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of rival FK gang member Sanjeev Mann, 23, FK associate Bendle, 21, and bystander Keni S’ua, 43.

Each received a life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.

Real Christian Honorio, 28, the third shooter, was convicted in late March of first-degree murder in the deaths of Mann and Bendle and second-degree murder in the death of S’ua. He faces a similar life term when he is sentenced June 1.

Roberto and Zuccherato have since appealed their convictions. Parker said it was important to resolve Hovanesian’s case the way it was done and not go to trial.

“This case has had two preliminary hearings and two trials and witnesses have to be commended on what they have done so far,” Parker said. “To come to court as often as they have, particularly those people in the restaurant, these witnesses have to relive these events time and time, even years after. It’s tough on these people. At the same time, a trial would have got us to where we are now.”

Parker would not comment on the specifics of Hovanesian’s role. He said an agreed statement of facts would be presented to Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Beth Hughes for sentencing arguments on June 29. A pre-sentence report has been ordered.