SAN BERNARDINO – Two former Fontana residents will be spending the remainder of the lives in prison after being sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for the shooting murder of a Fontana man. Guy Estrada, the 35-year-old victim was riding his bicycle in the City of Fontana on April 26, 2015. As he was riding, he was shot and killed, then left for dead in the middle of the street.
On April 30, 2015, suspects believed to be involved in a separate Fontana murder that occurred on April 19, 2015, as seen driving in the City of Fontana. Officers attempted to stop the Lexus sedan driven by 29-year-old David Avina. Avina failed to yield and led officers on a dangerous pursuit, with his passenger, 21-year-old Aureliano Mendez. Once the vehicle was stopped, officers located an SKS rifle inside the trunk of the vehicle and both suspects from April 19, 2015, case were arrested. “During the trial, it was noted that both defendants wanted to shoot the victim, a random man on a bike,” said Deputy District Attorney Robbins. As Avina shot and missed the victim, Mendez said that the victim, “rode for his life” on his bicycle to avoid being struck by the rounds being shot in his direction. The two chased him in the Lexus and Mendez said that he held the steering wheel steady as driver Avina shot and killed the victim.
San Bernardino County District attorney’s officials said that the two laughed about the incident, before returning to confirm the victim was shot dead. On April 2, 2018, both Avina and Mendez were found guilty of first-degree murder and one count of street terrorism. The firearm and criminal street gang allegations were also found true. “I am proud of the work our Gang Unit is doing every day to hold these local terrorists responsible for their actions,” said District Attorney Mike Ramos. “With the help of all our law enforcement partners and the Board of Supervisors, we will continue our fight. We won’t back down.”
The other case, which the twosome were initially arrested for is still pending.
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Image Sources:
- David Avina: SB County DA
