Fresno District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp blamed Gov. Gavin Newsom for the early release of Nathaniel Dixon, accused of killing police officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. in Selma. However, facts indicate that Smittcamp's office made the decision that led to Dixon's release under AB109, a California law aimed at reducing the state's...
Police: ‘High Chance’ of Hollywood Mass Shooting Prevented
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A “high chance” of a mass shooting in Hollywood has been thwarted by police seizing a cache of guns and ammunition in a high-rise apartment where several rifles were pointed toward a nearby park, the Los Angeles Police Department said. Braxton Johnson was taken into custody...
Mongols Motorcycle Gang Member Gets 10 Years for Killing Policeman
POMONA— A member of the Mongols motorcycle gang who shot and killed a Pomona police officer in 2014 was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in prison. David Martinez, 44, was sentenced for voluntary manslaughter for the October 2014 slaying of Shaun Diamond. Diamond, 45, was a SWAT team member who...
Tips Helps Fresno Police Make Quick Arrest in Hit-and-Run That Killed Child
Raymond Jay Celaya, 62, of Fresno was arrested by Fresno police and booked into jail Friday on felony charges in the death of a 10-year-old boy Thursday night. Police received a tip after asking the public to help find a 2011-2014 black Chrysler 300 believed to be involved in running...
LA Prosecutor Backs Bill to Remove Youth Offenses from ‘Three Strikes’ Count
SACRAMENTO — Los Angeles' new reform-minded top prosecutor said Friday that it's time to remove youthful offenders from California's tough career criminal law that can greatly extend their prison time later in life. Juvenile Cases Should be 'Based on Rehabilitation, Not on Punishment' District Attorney George Gascón, who runs the...
No Return to Lock ’Em Up — California Voters Stick With Less Punitive Justice
Over the last three decades, Californians have swung from “tough on crime” conservatism to a more lenient, less punitive approach to criminal justice. Based on the results of this year’s election, it doesn’t look like the pendulum is swinging back anytime soon. Already the state had gradually eased up on...
Bakersfield Woman Indicted on Meth and Gun Charges Faces Possible Life Sentence
A Bakersfield woman has been indicted on drug and gun charges and could face life in prison and a $10 million fine, officials with the U.S. Dept. of Justice said Monday. Amy Campos, 37, was charged by a federal grand jury with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being...
Gun Found After Fresno Deputy Chases, Captures Parolee in Old Fig Neighborhood
Fresno County deputies booked a 27 year old parolee into jail on gun charges early Tuesday following a chase and physical struggle in the Old Fig Garden area, according to a Sheriff's office news release. The suspect, Joshua Right, was pulled over near Santa Fe and Palm avenues at around...
As Crime Surges on His Watch, Trump Warns of Biden's America
President Donald Trump is painting a dystopian portrait of what Joe Biden’s America might look like, asserting crime and chaos would ravage communities should the former vice president win the White House in November. Left unsaid: A recent surge in violent crime in several American cities has happened on his watch. “Irony...
Merced Police Arrest ‘Sleepy (Catalytic Converter) Thieves’ in the Bushes; Released on $0 Bail
Merced police caught up with a couple of catalytic converter thieves in the bushes Friday morning. Officers received a call of two subjects in the AT&T yard located at 1860 Wardrobe Ave. Officers surrounded the yard, and saw the suspects running into the school located next door. A search of...