Antonio Mendoza Chavez, Jr., 36, was found guilty on Friday of first-degree murder for the August 2020 killing of a Dinuba man, after a violent dispute fueled by jealousy and rage. (Tulare County DA)
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Antonio Mendoza Chavez, Jr., 36, was convicted Friday of first-degree murder in the 2020 shooting death of a Dinuba man, according to the Tulare District Attorney’s Office.
The case centers around a violent episode from August 2020. After a breakup, Chavez kicked his girlfriend out of his trailer, leaving her without money or shelter.
Related Story: Pursuit Ends with Clovis Police Finding Toddler and Gun in Car
She found temporary refuge with a friend of Chavez’s — Alfredo Carranza, 51 at the time of death, of Dinuba. Despite reconciling with his girlfriend, Chavez’s jealousy and anger escalated.
On Aug. 14, 2020, while in Yokuts Valley, Chavez discovered that his girlfriend had stayed at the Carranza’s house. Consumed by rage, he spent the day acquiring and testing a .22 AR-15 rifle, prosecutors said.
Later that night, he forced his girlfriend to accompany him to Carranza’s Dinuba home, where he shot the victim in the eye.
Related Story: 5 Felony Charges Filed on Visalia Man in Alleged Sexual Assault of Minor
Following the murder, Chavez and his girlfriend returned home, where he burned their clothes and car tires.
Chavez was arrested in Sultana on Sept. 4, 2020, after a brief police chase through the Orange Cove area.
He now faces a mandatory life sentence without the chance of parole at his upcoming sentencing hearing.
Related Story: Neighbor Charged With Murder of Couple Who Went Missing From California Nudist ...
RELATED TOPICS:
Adopt Eevee and She’ll Bring Sunshine Into Your Life
7 hours ago
Fresno County Authorities Arrest Suspect, Recover Firearms and Drugs in Fowler
7 hours ago
Countries With No Trade Deal Will Hear From US by Midnight, White House Says
7 hours ago
Trump’s Envoy Meets Netanyahu for Gaza Aid, Ceasefire Push
8 hours ago
Construction of $200M Trump Ballroom at the White House to Begin in September
9 hours ago
Tulare County Fire Responds to Three-Alarm Fire at Commercial Building Near Tipton
10 hours ago
If Texas Gerrymanders Its House Districts, Costa Says California Must Follow Suit
10 hours ago
Yosemite’s Largest Campground Reopens Friday After $26.2 Million Renovation
11 hours ago
Two Men Shot During Fight at Tulare Apartment Complex
11 hours ago
Trump Sets 10% to 41% ‘Reciprocal’ Tariffs on Dozens of Countries’ Exports
4 hours ago
Categories

Trump Sets 10% to 41% ‘Reciprocal’ Tariffs on Dozens of Countries’ Exports

Fresno Fire Displaces Family of Three, Pets Rescued

Adopt Eevee and She’ll Bring Sunshine Into Your Life

Fresno County Authorities Arrest Suspect, Recover Firearms and Drugs in Fowler

Countries With No Trade Deal Will Hear From US by Midnight, White House Says

Trump’s Envoy Meets Netanyahu for Gaza Aid, Ceasefire Push
