Third Striker Sentenced to Life in Prison

Yesterday in Department 10 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, Judge Kathryn Montejano sentenced Frank Luna, age 49, of Farmersville, to 35 years-to-life inprison under California’s Three Strikes law.

On January 22, 2018, a jury found Luna guilty of assault with a deadly weapon. On January 23, 2018, the Court also found true the special allegations that Luna has been previously convicted of two prior strikes for robbery in 1999, and that Luna has four prior prison commitments for robbery, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale, and petty theft with priors.

In the afternoon of October 31, 2015, Luna and his brother argued loudly in the frontyard of his brother’s house in Farmersville, drawing the attention of other family members and a family friend across the street. Luna angrily told the friend that he better be careful out in the streets and departed on his bicycle. A short time later, Luna returned to the friend and accused him of talking to his girlfriend. Drawing a knife from his pocket, Luna thrust the knife at the friend, coming within inches of his chest. Luna again departed on his bicycle.

“The Three Strikes law is intended keep dangerous, repeat offenders off our streets. The law did just that in this case,” said District Attorney Tim Ward.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Aaron Corey and 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