Killer of street vendor murdered in Fresno sentenced to 25 years in prison
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Demarcus Jaime Vega pleaded no contest to second-degree murder in Perez’s 2021 killing.
- Superior Court Judge Ryan Wells sentenced Vega to 10 years plus 15 years to life.
- Vega received a mental health evaluation before prosecution resumed and sentencing.
Demarcus Jaime Vega, who was convicted of murder for the 2021 fatal shooting of a southeast Fresno street vendor, was sentenced to 25 years in prison Thursday.
Vega, of Palmdale, was 18 years old when he was arrested for the murder of 45-year-old Lorenzo Perez. Police said Perez was shot in the head while working near the corner of Alta and Pierce avenues.
Vega fled the scene but was later caught by police and charged with Perez’s murder.
The death of the popular neighborhood food vendor sent shockwaves through the community as violence against street vendors began escalating in 2020 and 2021. During that period, at least six vendors were robbed and three were killed, including Perez.
City leaders discussed creating a plan that would create more robust protections, while community advocates worked to develop a strategy to equip vendors with self-defense resources.
Although it took more than five years for Vega to be prosecuted, Senior Deputy District Attorney Liz Owen was satisfied with the outcome.
Vega pleaded no contest to a charge of second-degree murder. In exchange, he received a shorter prison sentence and the possibility for parole. Superior Court Judge Ryan Wells sentenced Vega to 10 years in prison, plus 15 years to life.
“The defendant had some intellectual issues and disabilities that we were having to deal with, so I think it’s appropriate,” Owen said.
The case against Vega was paused temporarily while he was given a mental health evaluation. Once he was cleared by doctors, the case against him continued.
His attorney, Jamil Nushwat, said he, too, was pleased with the outcome of the case.
“I can honestly say that he has shown a significant amount of remorse. And he’s shown me a significant amount of growth. He is interested in rehabilitation,” Nushwat said.
