Fresno residents can thank Tulare County prosecutors and hotel surveillance video for taking violent husband-and-wife gang members off the street.

Johnny Garcia, 39, of Fresno, received a sentence of 86 years and four months last week following his conviction on two counts of attempted murder and other crimes.

And, his wife, Kristy Flores, 41, is headed to prison for five years after her conviction for trying to conceal her husband’s crimes.

Shootings at Tulare Hampton Inn

According to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office, the two Fresno gang members were staying at a Hampton Inn in Tulare on Nov. 19, 2020. At about 11 a.m., Garcia shot two men whom he thought were rival gang members. However, both victims survived after exiting the hotel lobby and receiving medical care.

Said the DA’s office: “As Garcia confidently walked through the lobby among the frightened staff, Flores met him and the two returned to their room on the fourth floor. Less than three minutes
later, Flores exited the hotel by the pool and went to her car carrying a plastic bag and a sweatshirt worn by Garcia during the shooting. Garcia attempted to exit through the lobby but was apprehended by police officers. Flores waited a few minutes in her car before departing and disposing of the firearm. She was arrested later that day after she returned to the hotel asking to be let back into her room.”

Shell Casing Found

Investigators found a shell casing at the scene matching a bullet extracted from one of the victims. And, the sweatshirt had gunshot residue on it. Hotel surveillance video captured
much of a pair’s movements, the DA’s office said.

Tulare County senior deputy district attorney Noell Niayesh was the prosecutor. The Tulare Police Department and DA’s office investigated the case.