Demarcus Jaime Vega, 23, received a sentence of 25 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the 2021 shooting of food vendor Lorenzo Perez in Fresno, California. The sentencing occurred on Thursday.
Vega was 18 when he flagged down Perez on March 21, 2021, near South Price and East Alta avenues. Pretending to place an order from the vendor's bicycle cart, Vega drew a gun and shot Perez in the head before searching his pockets and fleeing on a scooter.
Perez, 45, died at a hospital after first responders arrived. Police identified Vega through witness accounts and surveillance footage, leading to his arrest four days later. Robbery was the stated motive.
Perez was described by prosecutors as a well-known vendor who served southeast Fresno families. His son called him a proud, hardworking man whose family was his pride and joy, adding that Vega had taken the rest of their lives.
Vega's attorney noted his client's remorse and interest in rehabilitation. The case faced delays due to a mental health evaluation related to Vega's intellectual disabilities.