A repeat criminal and DUI offender received a sentencing that included life in prison after he was convicted for second-degree murder.
Marvin Vance Reese Sr., 60, of Lemoore was sentenced to five years plus 45 years to life in state after a Fresno County Superior Court trial involving the death of an Uber driver.
During court, it was established that Reese was driving intoxicated and at a high-rated speed on Highway 41 when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with Derek Balderas of Fresno.
Balderas, 36, was working as an Uber driver and returning home after dropping off a passenger in Lemoore. He was killed when his vehicle became engulfed in flames following the crash.
It was discovered that Reese had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.13% — well above the legal limit.
Reese was convicted in December after less than 30 minutes of jury deliberation.
Prior to his most recent crash, Reese had five prior DUI convictions (1994, twice in 2006, 2011, and 2013) and had been advised that future impaired driving resulting in death could lead to a murder charge.
In addition to his DUI history, Reese had four prior “strike” convictions, including two robberies, a residential burglary, and criminal threats.
In total, he has sustained 18 criminal convictions in California.
Marvin Vance Reese Sr., 60, was sentenced to five years plus 45 years to life in state after following a Fresno County Superior Court trial involving the death of an Uber driver. Courtesy photo FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
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Bryant-Jon Anteola is a multimedia reporter for The Fresno Bee, writing stories and producing videos about sports, news and random topics relatable to those in the Fresno area. He’s won a McClatchy President’s Award and received honorable mention by the Associated Press Sports Editors. He enjoys sports because of the competition, camaraderie and energy, and views sports as a microcosm of society.