Tulare Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Prison for Shooting at Homes, Gun Crimes

Yesterday in Department 10 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, Judge Kathryn Montejano sentenced Cristian Renteria, age 22, of Tulare, to 46 years-to-life in prison after being found guilty of two counts of shooting at inhabited dwellings with the special allegations of personal discharge of a firearm, and that the crime was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang. A jury found Renteria guilty of the charges on December 11, 2017.

Just before midnight on August 8, 2014, Renteria and several others were walking in the area of Merritt and Denair in Tulare when a nearby resident standing outside his home heard the group using gang slurs. A short time later, Renteria returned and fired two shots from a .22 handgun at a nearby house. Renteria then turned his attention to a house next door where some dogs had been startled by his gunshots. Renteria fired more shots at this house, with one round striking a flat screen TV in the living room while the frightened residents ducked for cover. No one was injured. Renteria fled the scene, but was arrested by Tulare Police Department officers on August 13, 2014 after witness accounts confirmed his identity.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Sean Sangree and investigated by the Tulare 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