Convicted Killer Sentenced to Life in Prison without Parole for Santa Paula Double-Murder & Separate Shooting

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that  Kristian Fonseca (DOB 10/07/98) has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of  parole, plus 114 years to life for two first-degree murders and other crimes. A jury found Fonseca  guilty on March 20, 2026, of killing Jose Estrada and Daniel Zuniga. Fonseca was also convicted  of two counts of attempted murder and one count of being in possession of a firearm less than 10  years after a conviction. All special allegations and aggravating factors were found true, including  the special circumstance of multiple murders and the personal and intentional discharge of a  firearm. 

“Fonseca believed he could avoid capture and accountability for his crimes, but through the  dedicated work of Detective Anthony Reginato and our law enforcement partners, justice ultimately  caught up with him.” said Supervising Senior Deputy District Attorney Blake Heller. “This sentence  ensures he will spend the rest of his life paying for the devastation he caused to these victims, their  families, and the community.” 

Fonseca’s crimes encompass two separate shootings and four victims. In October 2019, Fonseca  was affiliated with a tagging crew based in Santa Paula. On October 12, 2019, Fonseca and two  others drove along Ventura Avenue and stopped near a liquor store at East Simpson Street. After  observing two men standing near a food truck, one was asked, “Where are you from?” before  Fonseca fired multiple rounds from a shotgun. 

The two victims of that shooting were not gang members. One victim was struck multiple times and  suffered life-threatening injuries, requiring emergency surgery and resulting in long-term medical  complications. Surveillance video captured portions of the incident, and officers recovered four  spent shotgun shells at the scene. 

A year later on October 24, 2020, Fonseca attended a front yard gathering in Santa Paula when  three rival tagging crew members approached from down the street after a day of escalating verbal  confrontations. The encounter turned physical when one of the individuals fought Fonseca in the  street. Following the fight, Fonseca retrieved a firearm and opened fire on the three men. Two of  the victims shot by Fonseca died of their injuries. The third victim was injured but survived.  Evidence showed Fonseca continued firing at close range after the victims had fallen. 

Officers recovered ten 9mm shell casings at the scene, most were near the two victims who died.  Fonseca was arrested three days later. The firearm used in the shooting was never recovered.

Case: 2020012933 

Defendant Information: 
Kristian Fonseca (DOB 10/07/98) 
Oxnard 

Charges: 

• (2 counts) PC 187(a) – Murder 
• (2 counts) PC 664/187(a) – Attempted murder 
• PC 29805 – Own/possess/control firearm less than 10 years  after misdemeanors 

Special allegations: 

• PC 189(a) – 1st degree murder 
• PC 190.2(a)(3) – Commission of more than one murder 
• PC 12022.53(d) – Personal and intentional discharge of a firearm  causing great bodily injury 

• PC 664(a) – Premeditated attempted murder 
• CRC 4.421(a)(1) – The crime involved great violence 
• CRC 4.421(a)(2) – The defendant was armed with and used a weapon     
  • CRC 4.421(b)(1) – Defendant has engaged in violent conduct