A San Joaquin County jury has convicted 23-year-old Kenneth Ernesto “Ernie” Mejia of second-degree murder and multiple felony charges in the fatal shooting of a family member that also endangered two young children.
The verdict, announced following a trial in San Joaquin County, came after prosecutors presented evidence that Mejia harassed and threatened two relatives under the age of 12 before the deadly violence unfolded on November 9, 2024.
According to the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, Mejia first taunted the children and then swerved his vehicle toward them while they were riding their bicycles home. When the children’s father went to Mejia’s residence to confront him, Mejia opened fire, striking the father three times, including twice in the back. The man died at the scene.
Mejia also fired at a vehicle occupied by another individual, narrowly missing the occupant, further escalating the violent incident.
“The defendant chose a path of lethal violence over the bonds of family,” said San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas. “I am incredibly proud of our prosecution team and our partners in law enforcement who navigated a web of lies and witness hostility to ensure that justice was served for the victims and their loved ones.”
The jury decisively rejected Mejia’s claim of self-defense, convicting him of second-degree murder with a firearm enhancement, attempted murder with firearm enhancement, felon in possession of a firearm, and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon involving a motor vehicle.
The legal team credited critical testimony from the two children involved, whose courage under witness hostility helped secure the conviction.
Detectives Matthew Majeski, Magana, Sgt. Barrington, and District Attorney Investigator Michael Gandy were recognized for their investigative efforts, alongside witness coordinator Alexis Soto and victim advocate Isabella Cruz, who provided vital support to the victim’s family during the trial.
Mejia is scheduled to return to court on June 29 at 1:30 p.m. ET for a hearing on aggravating factors and sentencing. He faces a potential sentence of 40 years to life in prison, plus 11 years under California law.
This tragic case highlights the deadly consequences of escalating family violence, with law enforcement and prosecution teams working to deliver justice amid significant challenges.
