On April 20, 2010, the Honorable Judge Darryl Ferguson sentenced Defendant Miguel Espinoza, 20 of Orosi, to 29 years in state prison for attempted murder and gang-related charges. The defendant pled no contest to the one count of attempted murder, a special allegation for use of a firearm, and a special allegation that the crime was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang on March 16, 2010.

On the evening of May 29, 2009 in the city of Cutler, several juveniles were playing basketball in the front yard of a residence. Around 9:45 p.m. the defendant Miguel Espinoza approached the residence on foot with another gang member. The defendant Espinoza took aim and fired one shot from a shotgun towards the four individuals in the driveway. The defendant Espinoza is a gang member and suspected the intended targets were rival gang members or associates.

Fortunately, no one was hit with the shotgun blast. However, the gunshot did damage the house.

The case was investigated by Detective Steve Sanchez, Jr. of the Tulare County Sheriff's Department. The Tulare County District Attorney's Office, Bureau of Investigations also assisted in the investigation.

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