A Bakersfield man will spend at least six decades for killing an acquaintance in the middle of the road.
Kern County Judge Kenneth C. Twisselman II sentenced Richard Roy Cortez to 60 years to life in prison for the shooting death of Joshua Samarripas. A jury convicted the 33-year-old Cortez of second-degree murder.
“These extreme acts of violence committed by felons who illegally possess firearms are a top priority for prosecution. Violence in our streets and neighborhoods will not be tolerated," said Kern District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer, according to Bakersfield Now.
Around 8:30 pm on Dec. 30, 2022, the Kern County Police Department responded to the 3300 Block of Center Street after reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found the Samarripas slumped against a car in a nearby street west of the shooting location with a gunshot wound to the back. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
After identifying Samarripas, investigators retrieved security camera footage that showed the defendant driving a stolen Tacoma pick-up truck. Furthermore, the video showed the defendant had driven past Samarripas as he walked on the sidewalk before stopping in the middle of the road and firing two shots at the victim. Later, officers found the abandoned pick-up truck with evidence of Cortez’s fingerprints on a plastic cup in the vehicle.
Though Cortez had initially faced 15 years to life for the second-degree murder, because of the defendant’s extended criminal history, his sentence received an enhancement. As a result, Cortez’s defense lawyer argued his client, who had been attempting to turn his life around, acted only in self-defense after Samarripas threatened his life.
In a rebuttal, prosecutors told the judge that the defendant has always been a menace to society, especially after the defendant committed another crime before his arrest for the homicide.
The judge agreed!
“That conduct is inconsistent with someone who is trying to live a law-abiding life as a productive member of our community,” said Twisselman during the sentencing hearing, reported KGET.
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