Life Sentence Handed Down in Richgrove Attempted Murder
On Friday July 16, 2021, in Department 17 of the South County Justice Center, the Court sentenced Anthony Ray Rojas, age 24, to 32 years-to-life in prison for attempted murder.
In December of 2020, Rojas was at a friend’s house in Richgrove when his friend’s ex-boyfriend, the victim, stopped by while riding his bicycle. The victim rode away on his bicycle shortly after. After the victim was already down the block, Rojas walked out of the house and fired several rounds at the victim. When the victim fell off his bicycle onto the ground, Rojas fired several more rounds at him. Rojas was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior felony conviction. The victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to his neck, was evacuated to the hospital where he underwent several life-saving surgeries.
On June 7, 2021, a jury convicted Rojas of attempted murder and being a felon in possession of firearm. The jury also found true the allegations that the attempted murder was committed with premeditation and deliberation, and that during the attempted murder, Rojas was armed with and discharged a firearm at the victim causing great bodily injury.
At sentencing, Rojas pleaded no contest to a separate case of misdemeanor battery and resisting a peace officer for an incident that occurred in February 2021, while awaiting trial in this case. During the February 2021 incident, Rojas’ cellmate asked to speak with a jail deputy in private. The deputy agreed and instructed him to retrieve his facemask. When Rojas’ cellmate went to do so, Rojas began punching his cellmate in the face numerous times. The deputy rushed into the cell to restrain Rojas and protect the victim. Rojas did not comply, and the deputy was forced to wrestle Rojas to the ground and call for backup. Rojas only complied after the deputy drew his Taser. Rojas was sentenced to time served for that incident.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Avi Feinstein and was 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