The state’s Board of Parole Hearings commissioners denied parole to Jose Madrigal who is serving a life-sentence at Corcoran State Prison after being convicted of First-Degree Murder in 2008.
According to a press release sent by the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, he was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison. Madrigal, who is now 44 years old, was residing in Sacramento at the time of the murder.
On July 8, 2007, Madrigal was at a party in Sacramento where he consumed alcohol and methamphetamine. He and his friend, who was also later convicted for his part in this crime, left the party in a van and picked the victim up on the street as she was walking home from the party.
After the victim rejected Madrigal’s sexual advances, Madrigal pulled a knife and left over 100 wounds on her body. The fatal injuries consisted of a stab wound to her chest, which punctured a lung, and a stab wound to the neck, which punctured her jugular vein.
Madrigal and his co-defendant then drove to the River Road in Yolo County and dumped the victim’s body on the side of the levee, where it was later discovered by a probation officer driving to work the next morning. Madrigal and his co-defendant then washed the van and drove to Burger King.
The May 28 meeting was Madrigal’s first parole hearing.
Supervising Deputy District Attorney, Carolyn Palumbo, who was the prosecuting attorney in 2008, attended the hearing, along with victim advocate, Laura Valdes, and several members of the victim’s family, including:
Her son
Her two daughters (one of which appeared remotely from Iran where she is stationed)
Her younger sister
During the hearing, the victim’s family presented emotional impact statements.
The Board of Parole Hearing Commissioner Dobbs stated Madrigal had insufficient insight into his lack of self-control leading to this extremely brutal attack. The Board noted Madrigal continued to exercise criminal thinking, evidenced by his statement that he used methamphetamine in 2024 because he thought he could get away with it.
The board ultimately denied Madrigal parole for three years, stating he continued to pose an unreasonable risk to public safety.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the dedicated members of our staff who continue to attend lifer parole hearings and advocate on behalf of victims and public safety,” Yolo County Acting District Attorney Melinda Aiello said. “Their commitment, professionalism, and tireless efforts help ensure that the voices of victims are heard and that dangerous offenders are carefully evaluated before any release decision is made. I also want to acknowledge Ms. Cerda’s family, who appeared from near and far to participate in the hearing, allowing the commissioners to hear the impact of the loss they suffered.”
Madrigal will be eligible for parole in three years.