A life sentence without the chance of parole, in addition to an additional 27 years, has been handed down to a man for the 2012 homicide of Edwin Herrera in Oxnard, California, a city approximately 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

David Guadalupe Calderon, 31, was convicted of first-degree murder in March 2024, according to an announcement from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office regarding his sentencing.

Edwin Herrera, a 19-year-old father, met his untimely death on February 29, 2012 when he was shot in the neck while parking his car to avoid a ticket. Prosecutors stated that Calderon, a documented gang member who may have been trying to prove his gang credibility, and another gang affiliate, Carlos Hernandez, confronted Herrera while he was performing this routine task, demanding to know which gang he belonged to. Calderon shot Herrera at point-blank range and escaped the scene, despite Herrera’s insistence that he was not associated with any gang, leaving Herrera critically injured.

The investigation into Herrera’s death was a lengthy and complicated process, hindered initially by a lack of evidence and the unspoken rule often followed in areas with gang presence. However, police made significant breakthroughs after discovering that Calderon had bought a distinctive type of shotgun ammunition on the day of the murder. This ammunition was later matched to the shells found at the crime scene. Calderon had sold the murder weapon to another gang member soon after the crime. The weapon was recovered by police under a search warrant, which also revealed more evidence implicating Calderon.

While serving time on an unrelated robbery charge, Calderon was overheard boasting about the murder to a fellow inmate. This admission, recorded during routine monitoring of inmate conversations, was crucial in securing his conviction.

“Now, finally, after 12 long years, Edwin’s family will receive the justice they so rightfully deserve,” commented Senior Deputy District Attorney John Barrick, stressing the significance of Calderon’s conviction and sentencing in bringing some degree of justice and closure for Herrera’s family.

In response to the crime and the following trial, the community has shown a renewed dedication to fighting gang violence and improving public safety measures in Ventura County. Local authorities have committed to intensifying their monitoring of gang activities and collaborating with community leaders to prevent such senseless violence in the future.

Carlos Hernandez, Calderon’s accomplice, has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and is awaiting sentencing.