Fresno man sentenced to life in 2013 murder as upset friends and family react
Jerel Stanfield, a convicted felon who was found guilty of killing a gang rival in 2013, was sentenced to 85 years to life in prison on Tuesday.
Friends and family members of Stanfield, who packed the courtroom, were visibly upset and angry as Judge Jonathan Conklin handed down his sentence.
“I love you, bro. Keep your head up,” a man said as he stormed out of the courtroom.
Stanfield’s attorney Kevin Little said he was very disappointed with the outcome.
“It’s a sad day for the family,” Little said. “But we are going to appeal.”
Little had filed a motion for a new trial, alleging juror misconduct. He also said a witness’ outburst during the trial was prejudicial to his client.
Conklin denied the motion as well as Little’s request to strike Stanfield’s prior felony and a gun enhancement. Both added substantial prison time to his sentence.
Stanfield’s sentencing closed a long chapter in the 34-year-old’s life that was marked by the shooting death of William Simpson on Easter Sunday 2013.
Stanfield is accused by police of spotting Simpson that night at 4140 N. Clark St. and then shooting him multiple times with a .40 caliber handgun.
Police said both men were members of rival gangs: Simpson, a Dog Pound member and Stanfield a part of the Strother Boys. At the time of the murder, the gangs were feuding, police said.
Police found Stanfield several hours after the early morning shooting, driving in a black SUV. He led police on a short chase ending up in the southwest Fresno neighborhood of his gang.
One of the officers crashed his car into Stanfield’s, sending it into a tree and causing it to stop. Stanfield got out of his vehicle and began to run, despite commands from police to stop and to show his hands.
Stanfield was considered dangerous and when he began tugging at his waistband, officers reacted by firing several shots at Stanfield.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Chris Gularte prosecuted Stanfield just as he did in 2017 when a mistrial was declared after the jury deadlocked on the murder charge.
During the first trial the jury deliberated for four days. The second time around the jury rendered a guilty verdict in one and a half days. Stanfield was found guilty of murder, assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon.
This story was originally published May 16, 2023 at 12:00 PM.
