Tulare Gang Member Sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole for Multiple Murders

On November 8, 2024, in Department 17 of the Tulare County Superior Court, the court sentenced Nathaniel Lujano, age 23, to life in prison without the possibility of parole for two 2022 gang murders.

In the early morning hours of August 19, 2022, Lujano approached a young man at a Tulare gas station and inquired about his gang status. Unhappy with his answer, Lujano shot him four times. As the victim laid on the ground, Lujano stood over him and fired two more shots before fleeing. Lujano was identified by video surveillance. A few weeks later on September 3, Lujano arrived at a party at a Tulare apartment complex and began shooting, killing an adult female. Witnesses identified Lujano and relayed to officers that he was looking to commit acts of violence against former gang members. Through investigation, Tulare Police Department officers located Lujano in Fresno and took him into custody two days later on September 5.

On October 11, 2024, Lujano pleaded no contest to two counts of premeditated first-degree murder with the special allegations that the murders were committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang, personal and intentional discharge of a firearm causing death, and that the crimes encompassed multiple murders.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Adam Clare and was investigated by the Tulare Police Department.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494