FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — On the corner of Blackstone and Nees, families lined the sidewalk, demanding changes to Proposition 57 on Saturday.<\/p>\n
“All of us have our own story and we’re just trying to bring awareness to the fact that it’s just light sentencing for horrific crimes,” said one victim’s mother.<\/p>\n
Prop 57 was approved by California voters in 2016. It gave judges the power to decide if a minor should be tried as an adult instead of prosecutors.<\/p>\n
Anthony Calderon was shot and killed last thanksgiving<\/a> in Central Fresno. The four suspects arrested by police were a 16-year-old, two 19-year-olds, and a 20-year-old.<\/p>\n “The way that he was killed was a random act of violence. They did not know him. They shot at him over 56 times, he was shot three times,” said Calderon’s mother.<\/p>\n Calderon’s mother was one of dozens speaking for those who can’t.<\/p>\n Some argue Prop 57 lets juveniles literally get away with murder.<\/p>\n “Of course, they’re going to be doing outrageous crimes out here cause they’re not getting the right punishment, they’re not learning their lesson,” said Jessica Sanchez, the mother of a victim of a violent crime<\/a>.<\/p>\n Those who support Prop 57 said it ultimately increases public safety through rehabilitation and saves taxpayers money by reducing the prison population.<\/p>\n At the time it was on the ballot, prison spending had ballooned to over $10 billion a year.<\/p>\n But victims’ families said violent young people should be kept behind bars.<\/p>\n “There is no justice without accountability. I think we failed to realize in the state of California that we can keep our community safe and provide rehabilitation at the same time,” said the Founder of Kendra’s Cause<\/a>, Debra Rush.<\/p>\n The families have been holding a number of protests recently and also received support from the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.<\/p>\n For news updates, follow Vince Ybarra on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2025 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n