Cutler Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder

Today in Department 6 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, Judge Gary Paden sentenced Fernando Prado, age 21, of Cutler, to 65 years-to-life in prison for murder. On August 10, 2017, Prado pleaded guilty to first-degree premeditated murder with the special allegations of intentional use of a firearm causing great bodily injury for a gang and street terrorism. Prado also pleaded guilty to shooting at an occupied vehicle with the special allegations that the crime was committed for a gang and street terrorism.

On July 30, 2015, Prado shot and killed a 24-year-old man in front of his Orosi home before fleeing in a getaway car. Prado was arrested a few weeks later on August 17, 2015. While in custody for the murder, Prado was discovered to have been involved in a drive- by shooting on June 12, 2015, that left a 30-year-old victim wounded. Both crimes were gang related.

The case was prosecuted by Supervising Deputy District Attorney Jamil Nushwat andwas investigated by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494