Today, Defendant Antonio Huerta, 17 years old of Pixley, was sentenced to 45 years in state prison by the Honorable Judge Gerald Sevier for attempted murder and other gang-related charges.

On June 18, 2009, in the city of Tipton, defendant Antonio Huerta went over to his friend’s house and discussed problems he had been having with rival gang members with his gang associates. The defendant and two of his friends agreed to drive around and look for rival gang members. A few minutes later, Huerta, a passenger in the vehicle, shot at two juveniles with a handgun. The defendant injured both juveniles. The juveniles received minor injuries but recovered from their injuries.

The defendant was arrested on June 26, 2009 during a service of a search warrant on his home.
The firearm used in the commission of the crime was never recovered.

Defendant Antonio Huerta had pled no contest on June 21, 2010 to the charges of attempted murder with
special enhancement for use of a firearm and that the crime was committed for the benefit of a criminal
street gang. He was sentenced today to 45 years prison in state prison.

The case was investigated by the Tulare County Sheriff's Department. The lead investigators were Detectives Hembree and Derrington.

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