On November 17, 2009, Angel Carrasco, age 18, of Visalia, and Rene Zamora, age 21, of Hanford, were convicted of one count of First Degree Murder with the Special Circumstances of Lying in Wait, Drive-by, and Gang Murder, and a second count of Shooting from a Motor Vehicle, both with Special Allegations for Gang and Use of a Firearm. Today, the Honorable Katherine Montejano sentenced both defendants to Life in Prison without the Possibility of Parole.

The crime took place on March 12, 2008 in the city of Visalia. The victim Vincent Chapa, 19, was walking with his friend when the defendants began chasing them in their van. The defendants had gone to the area, which they considered rival gang territory, in order to hunt for rival gang members. Vincent and his friend, neither of which had any gang affiliation, hid in a field hiding from the defendants. When the victims thought the defendants had driven away, they began running towards Vincent’s house. Vincent could not keep up with his friend. Just before reaching his home, the defendants drove up along side of him and fired several shots. Vincent was hit twice; one of the shots penetrated his heart, killing him instantly. The defendants sped away heading towards Hanford. Officers were able to stop their van and arrest them before they made it out of town. The van was driven by Rene Zamora and evidence was presented to show that Angel Carrasco was the shooter.

The case was investigated by Agent Amy Watkins and the Visalia Police Department, and was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Kerri Lopez with assistance from Investigator Frank Arnold of the Tulare County District Attorney Bureau of Investigations.

Contact Person: Assistant District Attorney Shani Jenkins: (559) 733-6411.