Gang Member Again Sentenced to Life in Prison for Role in 2012 Visalia Mall Shooting
Yesterday in Department 6 of the Tulare County Superior Court, the Honorable Melinda Reed sentenced Anthony Hanson, now 32, to a total of 132 years to life in prison after being found that he participated in a 2012 shooting at the Visalia Mall for the benefit of a criminal street gang.
Despite being convicted by a Tulare County jury of attempted murder and assault with a firearm for the benefit of a street gang in 2012, Hanson was permitted to retroactively apply provisions of Assembly Bill 333 (2022), which mandates a separate trial to prove gang enhancements from the underlying crime. A jury found these gang enhancements true at trial on April 7, 2026.
“Even though prosecutors have been tasked with litigating this case numerous times since 2012, we are pleased that the jury once again recognized that this crime, which was incredibly shocking at the time, was for the benefit of a street gang. We are equally pleased that the court handed down an appropriate sentence,” said Tulare County District Tim Ward. “Our community should rest better knowing that, although rare, not every re-sentencing challenge or re-trial automatically results in a lower sentence. We applaud Judge Reed for recognizing the importance of protecting the vulnerable places where we gather.”
January 27, 2012 – Just before 7 pm, Visalia Police Department officers were dispatched to the Visalia Mall regarding shots fired. There they discovered two male victims lying on the floor of the Sweet Factory candy store. One victim was shot in the neck, and another victim was shot through the thigh. According to witness accounts and video surveillance, Adrian Esquer, now 33, and Hanson, both wearing red bandanas, approached a group of rival gang members. After a verbal altercation, Esquer brandished a .22 handgun and fired nine shots, striking one gang member and a store customer. Hanson did not flee when the shooting occurred and remained with Esquer as the two ran from the mall and disposed of the firearm in some bushes at a nearby business. Law enforcement arrested Hanson the next day. Upon his arrest, he made a spontaneous statement saying, “I’m going away for a long time on this one.” Esquer was arrested the next day on January 29.
February 6, 2014 – At trial in Tulare County Superior Court, a jury found Esquer and Hanson guilty of four counts of premeditated attempted murder, two counts of non-premeditated murder, and two counts of assault with a firearm. The charges were enhanced with special allegations that the crime was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang, use of a firearm, and causing great bodily injury. That year, the court sentenced Hanson to 346 years to life in prison and Esquer to 406 years to life in prison.
Since his original sentencing in 2014, Hanson has appealed his conviction and sentence to the California Court of Appeals under provisions granted under Senate Bill 1437 (felony murder direct participation). Through these appeals, the original special allegations concerning firearms and causing great bodily injury were vacated by the court. The Office of the District Attorney argued against any dismissal or sentence reduction. Based on these prior appeals, Hanson’s sentence had been reduced to 104 years to life in prison.
Esquer is not a party to these appeals and proceedings. He continues to serve his sentence at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Communications Director Stuart Anderson (559) 636-5494