BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A gang member who pleaded no contest to fatally shooting a man outside a Bakersfield hotel six years ago laughed loudly, enraging the victim’s family, after he was sentenced Wednesday to 32 years in prison.
David Bobo Thomas pleaded no contest last month to voluntary manslaughter. A murder charge was dismissed.
Statements prepared by two aunts of shooting victim Tazmein Leoshus English were read at sentencing. One said the family is still grieving.
“Although life continues, we will never be the same,” one statement read.
Thomas, 42, smiled and shook his head after the statements were read. He then cackled loudly following his sentencing and as he was escorted from the courtroom, prompting an outburst from a member of English’s family.
Thomas was arrested a week after English was found shot on the afternoon of Sept. 23, 2020, at the Residence Hotel Courtyard, north of East Truxtun Avenue.
English, 21, was pronounced dead at Kern Medical.
Prosecutors have said Thomas is a convicted felon and member of the Westside Crips who carried out the shooting to benefit the gang.
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