Santa Paula Gang Member Sentenced for Near Fatal Shooting
By Redaccion
[email protected]
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Richard Steven Valencia (DOB 09/26/78), of Santa Paula, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the attempted murder of his neighbor. Valencia previously pled guilty on March 26, 2024, to four felony counts, including attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He also admitted to several special allegations including personal and intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury and two strike priors.
On October 9, 2020, Valencia engaged in a verbal argument with the victim in front of their Santa Paula apartment complex. Later that day, Valencia saw the victim walking in the area and again confronted him. This time, Valencia removed a firearm from his pocket and pointed it at the victim’s face. As the argument continued, Valencia fired two shots striking the victim in the face and neck. Valencia fled the scene. The shooting was captured on surveillance video.
The victim was transported to Ventura County Medical Center and eventually Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara County for treatment. The victim survived the shooting but was paralyzed from the neck down.
Valencia was arrested on October 11, 2020, by the Santa Paula Police Department.
Deputy District Attorney Sean Alexander, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Serious Violent Felonies Unit, prosecuted the case.
“The crime was senseless and had a tragic outcome,” Mr. Alexander said. “Fortunately, he will no longer be able to victimize members of our community.”
Case: 2020029288
Defendant Information:
Richard Steven Valencia (DOB 09/26/78)
Santa Paula
Charges:
- PC 664/187(a) – Attempted murder
- PC 245(a)(2) – Assault with a firearm
- PC 29800(a)(1) – Own/possess/control firearm by felon
- PC 30305(a)(1) – Felon in possession of ammunition
Special Allegations
- PC 12022.53(d) – Personal and intentional discharge of a firearm, GBI
- PC 12022.5(a)(1) – Use of a firearm
- PC 667S3 – Prior Strike 3
- PC 667S2 – Prior Strike 2
- PC 667(a)(1) – Serious felony prior
- PC 1170(h)(3) – Prior serious or violent felony, prison eligibility
