San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announces that Andrew Collazo has been sentenced to 102 years to life without the possibility of parole for the May 15, 2018, murder of Rodrigo Ignacio. The sentencing, handed down by the Honorable Judge Barrera, marks the conclusion of a complex legal journey for a family that has waited eight years for justice.

On the evening of the incident, Rodrigo Ignacio was in his front yard in Lodi with his brother and friends. The defendants approached the group and, after asking, “Do you bang?”, then immediately opened fire. Rodrigo, the eldest of 12 children and a protector of his family, was fatally shot while heroically stepping in front of his younger brother to shield him from gunfire.

“This was a calculated and unprovoked attack on an innocent family. It is a tragedy fueled by a disregard for human life and the safety of our community,” stated District Attorney Ron Freitas. “Rodrigo Ignacio’s final act was one of profound courage, protecting his loved ones from harm. This sentence of 102 years ensures that the individual responsible is held fully accountable. In San Joaquin County, the commitment to seeking justice for victims and their families remains dogged, regardless of the passage of time.”

The case saw several procedural shifts over the years due to evolving state laws and sentencing guidelines. Despite these legislative changes, the District Attorney’s Office remained focused on the original convictions, which included first-degree murder with a gang special circumstance, attempted murder, and assault with a firearm.

District Attorney Freitas would like to extend a special thank you to Supervising Deputy District Attorney Stacie Derman for her exceptional work and dedication in the prosecution of this case, ensuring justice was finally served after years of legal challenges.

District Attorney Freitas would like to thank LPD Sergeants Dan Bristow and Mark Werdon for their relentless work on this investigation. Special recognition is also given to Victim Advocate Jessica Vanover, whose support for the Ignacio family remained constant throughout this lengthy process. Our thoughts remain with the 26 family members present today as they finally receive this measure of peace.