Jury Reaches First-Degree Murder Verdict in Farmersville Shooting
On December 16, 2021, a jury found Harbhajan Mundi, 64, guilty of first-degree murder, mayhem, and assault with a firearm with the special allegations that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm causing great bodily injury or death. On December 22, 2021, the same jury determined that Mundi was sane during the commission of the crime.
Since 2003, Mundi had leased a Farmersville liquor store / gas station from the victim. Unhappy with the lease, Mundi arranged for a business meeting on July 24, 2018, with the victim and other associates to discuss transferring the lease. Also present were the victim’s son and wife. After requesting to speak privately in the store, Mundi pulled a gun from his pocket and aimed at the victim. The victim’s son saw the gun and attempted to intervene, but Mundi began shooting. The victim was hit in the stomach, while his son was struck in the neck and foot. Mundi was detained by the people present for the meeting while the victim called 911.
When Mundi saw police officers arrive, he ran to a back room in the store and retrieved a hammer he had hidden. While the victim was on the phone with 911, Mundi struck him on the head three times with the hammer. Mundi was detained by police as officers and EMS attempted to stabilize the victim. He died five days later at the hospital.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 24, 2022, in Tulare County Superior Court where Mundi faces life in prison.
“I commend law enforcement and prosecutors for their investigation and preparation in bringing this case to trial and securing justice,” said District Attorney Tim Ward. “I’d particularly like to thank the jurors in this case for taking several weeks prior to the holidays to hear the facts and deliberate. With the pressure COVID measures have put on the ability to conduct criminal trials, the importance of willing and dedicated jurors has never been greater.”
The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Adam Clare and was investigated by the Farmersville Police Department.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494