On August 30, 2011, a Tulare County jury returned a verdict convicting Frank Nanez, 19 of Visalia, of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. The jury also found true the special circumstance that the crime was committed by an active gang member with the specific intent to benefit a criminal street gang. The jury also found true the special allegation of personal use of a firearm causing death. The jury trial began on August 22, 2011. The case was presided over by the Honorable Judge Kathryn Montejano.

On July 31, 2009 at approximately 7:30 p.m., victim Angel Guzman (21) was standing outside his residence in Visalia talking to his cousin and his cousin’s friend. Angel Guzman was not involved in any gangs, but his cousin’s friend was a Sureno gang member. At that time, Norteno gang member Frank Nanez ran up to this residence. Frank Nanez pulled out a handgun and started shooting at the three victims as they ran for their lives. A bullet hit Angel Guzman in the back of the head and killed him. No one else was hit. Frank Nanez continued to run to a getaway vehicle and got inside, fleeing the crime scene. Frank Nanez was arrested several days later.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 26, 2011. The defendant faces a state prison sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

The case was investigated by Sergeant Curtis Brown of the Visalia Police Department. Detective Luma Fahoum of the Visalia Police Department served as the gang expert. District Attorney Investigator Eric Velasquez conducted the follow-up investigations. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Todd Zocchi.

Contact Person: Assistant District Attorney, Shani Jenkins (559) 636-5494