On July 8, 2017, Augustine Jr. Velasco, age 43, was fatally shot during a confrontation in Central Fresno. The incident occurred during a child custody exchange involving James Ryan Dean, who was later arrested and charged. According to reports, an argument escalated, leading to Dean shooting Velasco. Dean was arrested two days later and subsequently charged with second-degree murder.
During the trial, Dean argued self-defense, but the prosecution contended otherwise.
He was ultimately convicted in 2018 for second-degree murder, with an additional allegation of discharging a firearm intentionally. Dean, who had a prior criminal record, now faces a potential sentence of up to 60 years to life in prison, though he may be eligible for parole under the Elderly Parole Program after serving at least 25 years.
