District Attorney Ron Freitas Announces Conviction in Violent Family Shooting; Jury Rejects Self-Defense Claim

San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced that a jury has found Kenneth Ernesto “Ernie” Mejia, 23, guilty on multiple felony counts, including second-degree murder and attempted murder, stemming from a November 2024 wave of violence against his own family members.

The conviction follows a challenging trial involving a defendant who targeted his young relatives and ultimately took the life of a family member seeking to protect them.

“The defendant chose a path of lethal violence over the bonds of family,” said 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 evidence presented by Deputy District Attorney Alexander Henry showed that on November 9, 2024, Mejia began taunting two of his young relatives (both under age 12) and later swerved his vehicle toward them as they rode their bicycles home. When the children's father went to Mejia’s residence to confront him about the harassment, Mejia opened fire. The father was struck three times, twice in the back as he attempted to flee, and died at the scene. Mejia also fired into a vehicle occupied by another individual, narrowly missing him.

Despite several witnesses providing conflicting stories or attempting to shield the defendant from prosecution, the jury ultimately rejected Mejia's claims of self-defense.

The defendant was convicted of the following:

• PC 187(a) / 12022.53(d): Second Degree Murder with personal use of a firearm causing death/GBI
• PC 664/187 / 12022.53(c): Attempted Murder with personal discharge of a firearm
• PC 29800: Felon in Possession of a Firearm
• PC 245(a)(1): Two counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Motor Vehicle)

District Attorney Freitas extended his deepest gratitude to the Stockton Police Department, specifically Detective Matthew Majeski, Detective Magana, and Sergeant Barrington, as well as DAI Investigator Michael Gandy, for their tireless work on a difficult investigation.

Special recognition was also given to Alexis Soto for her expert coordination of witnesses and Isabella Cruz for her unwavering support of the victim’s family throughout the proceedings. Finally, the District Attorney’s Office commends the immense courage of the two young boys whose truthful testimony on the stand was critical to the jury’s decision.

A court trial on aggravating factors and sentencing is scheduled for June 29, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Department 8D. Mejia faces 40 years to life plus 11 years.