FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — After almost 5 years, Edward Lemos learned his punishment for the 2021 shooting death of 36-year-old Ralph Rivas.
“As of today, the total aggregate term is 26 years,” Fresno County Superior Court judge John Vogt said in court.
Fresno Police say Lemos shot and killed Rivas near Franklin and Broadway in Central Fresno in September of 2021.
Investigators say the two men had a brief exchange before Lemos pulled out a gun and opened fire on Rivas.
Rivas was taken to the hospital, where he died.
Lemos stood with no expression before a Fresno County judge on Tuesday as he was handed down that lengthy 26-year sentence for his crime.
“Probation shall be denied, sir, and you are committed to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation,” Judge Vogt said to Lemos.
Lemos was previously charged with murder in the case, but pled no contest to voluntary manslaughter in a stipulated deal worked out with his defense and the District Attorney’s office.
“Mr. Lemos is going to agree to pay the restitution for the funeral expenses,” his defense attorney said to the court.
The no-contest plea means Lemos accepts the conviction of the crime without admitting guilt.
With the time Lemos has already served, he will spend close to 20 years behind bars to finish out his sentence.
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