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