Man sentenced in Earlimart gang shooting

Jacinto Magallanes, 21, of Earlimart, was sentenced Wednesday to 40 years to life in prison for attempted murder in a gang-related shooting that left the victim paralyzed from the neck down, the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office said.

Superior Court Judge Gary Paden also ordered Magallanes to pay $55,903 in restitution.

He was found guilty in February of attempted murder and carjacking in a gang-related shooting that caused great bodily injury.

On May 8, 2011, deputies responded to a report of gunshots at apartments near North Earlimart and Sierra avenues in Earlimart.

The victim, 22, was found in the street with gunshot wounds to the neck and torso.

Investigators learned that Magallanes, gang member Juan Perez Jr. and an unidentified male had flagged him down and asked for a ride.

Magallanes directed him to the apartments and then shot him, authorities said. Perez dragged him out of his vehicle, and he and Magallanes fled in it.

Despite bullet fragments in his spine, the victim testified at trial. Perez is serving life in prison.

This story was originally published May 11, 2016 at 6:16 PM with the headline "Man sentenced in Earlimart gang shooting."