Defendants Convicted of Shooting, Robbery in Marijuana Deal
DATE:March 14, 2018
CASE: Gerald Fernandez & Allen Chao (Case #15F06554)
PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney Sam Alexander, Felony Prosecution Unit
Gerald Fernandez and Allen Chao were convicted by a jury of attempted murder and robbery. The jury also found true the allegation that the defendants personally used a firearm causing great bodily injury on both counts.
On February 12, 2015, Fernandez arranged a marijuana deal with the victim. When Fernandez and Chao met with the victim, Fernandez produced a .40 caliber firearm. Chao was also armed with a .25 caliber firearm. Fernandez and Chao shot the victim multiple times in the chest and stomach before fleeing the scene. The critically wounded victim was able to dial 911 and was transported to a hospital. After multiple surgeries, he remained at the hospital and a physical rehabilitation facility for months.
Detectives from the Sacramento Police Department worked through phone records and interviews to identify Fernandez and Chao as the shooters. In addition, the District Attorney’s Crime Lab linked Chao to the crime through DNA and ballistics testing on the .25 caliber gun recovered during a separate Elk Grove Police Department investigation.
Both defendants face a maximum sentence of 34 years to life in prison. Sentencing is set for May 4, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. in Department 25 before the Honorable Robert Twiss.
