Case Update: On March 20, 2023, the Honorable Judge Richard Mallett sentenced defendant Alejandro Duran Mercado to 40 years to life for second degree murder and intentional discharge of a firearm resulting in great bodily injury/death. 

Today, San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced a jury found defendant Alejandro Duran Mercado, 25, guilty of murder in the second degree.

“I would like to sincerely congratulate Deputy District Attorney Lesley Lyberger and Lodi Police Department for holding the defendant accountable for his heinous actions,” said District Attorney Ron Freitas. “Unprompted acts of violence will not be tolerated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

On February 26, 2021, Lodi Police Department was dispatched to E. Pine St. with a report of an individual suffering from a gunshot wound. Upon officers’ arrival, they found the victim, Cenobio “Nick” Gallegos, 29, and attempted to provide medical aid. The victim sadly succumbed to his injuries three days later. During the investigation, Lodi Police Department detectives were able to identify Alejandro Duran Mercado as the shooter and arrested him on March 2, 2021.

The defendant returns before the Honorable Judge Richard Mallett on March 20, 2023 for sentencing.