De’Arius Wilson Sentenced to 130 Years to Life and De’Andre Watts to 55 Years to Life for Murder of Richard Anthony Guerrero

De’Arius Wilson and De’Andre Watts have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in the shooting death of Richard Anthony Guerrero outside Cal Park Liquor in November 2024.

On November 18, 2024, Guerrero and several friends went to Cal Park Liquor to purchase drinks. As they left the store, they realized a friend who had accompanied them was standing on the sidewalk with Wilson and Watts. The group approached their friend and attempted to get him to leave the area. After a brief conversation, Guerrero and his friends turned and walked toward their vehicle in front of the store.

Wilson and Watts followed behind them. Both defendants then pulled out firearms and opened fire. Guerrero was shot in the back and fatally wounded. Wilson continued firing at the group and shot another victim in the leg. Watts fired a single shot that was determined to be a significant contributing factor in Guerrero’s death.

Wilson and Watts fled the scene together.

During the investigation, Stockton Police detectives identified Wilson and Watts as the suspects. Wilson was later located and arrested for Guerrero’s murder. At the time of his arrest, Wilson was still in possession of the firearm determined to have been used in the murder. Watts was subsequently arrested separately.

The defendants were tried beginning April 21, 2026. On May 13, 2026, a jury found Wilson guilty of:

• Penal Code § 187 – First-Degree Murder, with use of a firearm
• Penal Code §§ 664/187 – Attempted First-Degree Murder, with use of a firearm
• Felon in possession of a firearm – two counts
• Prior strike conviction
  

On May 14, 2026, a jury found Watts guilty of:

• Penal Code § 187 – Second-Degree Murder, with use of a firearm
• Felon in possession of a firearm
• Prior strike conviction

 On May 31, 2026, in Department 7A, before the Honorable Judge Lance Jacot, De’Arius Wilson and De’Andre Watts were sentenced for their respective roles in the murder of Richard Anthony Guerrero.

Wilson was sentenced to 130 years to life in state prison, and Watts was sentenced to 55 years to life in state prison.

District Attorney Ron Freitas said, “Richard Anthony Guerrero’s life was senselessly taken when the defendants followed him and his friends and opened fire, killing Richard and injuring another victim. There is no justification for this kind of violence, and these defendants must be held accountable. I applaud Deputy District Attorney Janet Smith for her dedication and successful prosecution of this case, and for fighting to ensure justice for Richard, his family, and the surviving victim.”

Our deepest thanks go to the Stockton Police Department for their incredible investigative work and relentless dedication to bringing justice to this case.

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding those responsible for violent crimes accountable and seeking justice for victims and their families.