Stockton Man Found Guilty in Deadly Family Shooting
A San Joaquin County jury has convicted 23-year-old Kenneth Ernesto “Ernie” Mejia of second-degree murder and multiple felony charges after a deadly shooting on November 9, 2024, that killed a family member and endangered two children. The verdict came after prosecutors presented evidence that Mejia escalated a confrontation with relatives, resulting in fatal violence.
Mejia was found guilty following a trial where he claimed self-defense, a defense the jury decisively rejected. According to the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, Mejia taunted two relatives under 12 years old and swerved his vehicle toward them as they rode bicycles home. When the children’s father confronted Mejia at his residence, Mejia fired multiple shots.
The victim was struck three times, including two shots in the back while attempting to flee, and died at the scene. Mejia also fired into another vehicle, narrowly missing a second occupant. The DA’s office emphasized this was not an isolated incident but a “path of lethal violence over the bonds of family,” calling the crime deeply tragic for the community.
Multiple Felony Charges and Consequences
Mejia faced several charges including second-degree murder with a firearm enhancement, attempted murder with firearm enhancement, felon in possession of a firearm, and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon involving a motor vehicle. Prosecutors relied heavily on the testimony of the two young boys involved, which was critical to securing the conviction.
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas expressed pride in the prosecution team and law enforcement partners for pushing through witness hostility and uncovering truths amid conflicting accounts.
“The defendant chose a path of lethal violence over the bonds of family,”
Freitas said in his statement.
The investigation and prosecution were supported by Stockton Police detectives Matthew Majeski, Magana, Sgt. Barrington, and District Attorney Investigator Michael Gandy. The DA’s office also recognized the critical support from witness coordinator Alexis Soto and victim advocate Isabella Cruz, who helped the victim’s family through the trial process.
Mejia is scheduled to return to court on June 29 at 1:30 p.m. for a hearing on aggravating factors and sentencing, where he faces a possible sentence of 40 years to life plus 11 years in prison. This case highlights the deadly consequences of family violence and the importance of protecting vulnerable children from escalating threats.
For readers across the United States, the case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly confrontations can turn deadly—and the critical role of the justice system in holding perpetrators accountable.
