A California man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after luring a beloved food vendor to his death in a calculated act of robbery that shocked the Fresno community.
Demarcus Jaime Vega, 23, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the killing of Lorenzo Perez, a 45-year-old food cart vendor who was a familiar and trusted face in southeast Fresno. The sentencing was handed down Thursday by the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.
According to prosecutors, the attack took place on March 21, 2021, when Vega — then 18 years old — was riding a scooter through the area of South Price and East Alta avenues. He spotted Perez, who was pushing his food cart on a bicycle, and flagged him down as if he were a customer.
The two spoke briefly. Perez stopped and waited. Then Vega pulled a gun from his pocket and shot Perez in the head at close range. After the shooting, Vega rifled through his victim’s pockets before fleeing the scene.
“Demarcus Jaime Vega didn’t just end the life of a human that day — he took the rest of our lives with him and altered them forever.”
— Lorenzo Perez’s son, in court
First responders rushed Perez to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators identified Vega as the suspect through witness accounts and surveillance footage. He was arrested four days after the murder. Robbery was the stated motive.
Perez was described by prosecutors as a well-known figure who served families across southeast Fresno for years. His oldest son remembered him as “a proud, hardworking man” who lived for his family.
Defense attorney Jamil Nushwat said his client has shown remorse and a genuine interest in rehabilitation. Prosecutors noted that Vega has some intellectual disabilities, which caused a delay in proceedings while he underwent a mental health evaluation.
He will serve a minimum of 25 years before becoming eligible for parole consideration.