400-plus years for gang rape of targeted lesbian

Humberto Salvador, 36, of Richmond was found guilty by a Contra Costa County Superior Court jury in Martinez of rape in concert, forcible oral copulation in concert, kidnapping for sexual purposes, and kidnapping for the purpose of carjacking. less Humberto Salvador, 36, of Richmond was found guilty by a Contra Costa County Superior Court jury in Martinez of rape in concert, forcible oral copulation in concert, kidnapping for sexual purposes, and ... more Photo: Courtesy Photo Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close 400-plus years for gang rape of targeted lesbian 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

The ringleader of a 2008 gang rape of a Richmond woman who was allegedly targeted because she is a lesbian and then taunted was sentenced to more than 400 years to life in prison.

Humberto Salvador, 36, of Richmond was found guilty in December of rape in concert, forcible oral copulation in concert, kidnapping for sexual purposes and kidnapping for the purpose of carjacking.

At a hearing Friday, Judge Susanne Fenstermacher sentenced Salvador to 411 years to life. The victim wasn't in court, but prosecutor Melissa Smith read a statement by her partner.

"She has lost the will to live," the statement read. "Although she is alive, they killed her inside."

The 45-minute assault began about 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 13, 2008, as the victim walked to her apartment. Salvador was accused of striking her with a flashlight and robbing her before ordering her to disrobe. She was sexually assaulted and then forced into her car, which was decorated with a rainbow sticker, after the men saw someone approaching.

She was driven seven blocks away, where authorities said she was repeatedly sexually assaulted in her car by Salvador and two other gang members, Robert Ortiz and Darrell Hodges, who are both 20.

Ortiz previously pleaded guilty to forcible oral copulation in concert for the benefit of a gang and carjacking in exchange for a 31-year sentence. Hodges pleaded guilty to forced oral copulation and got 24 years. A fourth defendant, Josue Gonzalez, who testified against Salvador, pleaded guilty to carjacking and robbery and got 13 years.