Antonio Saldana Jr., 41, of California, has been sentenced to 18 years to life in prison for the 2021 shooting death of his estranged wife, Lisa Saldana, 33, and the attempted murder of her then-boyfriend. The incident occurred in the backyard of their home in Clovis, near Fresno, with their five children present inside.
Saldana pleaded guilty in October 2025 as part of a plea deal with the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, just days before his jury trial was to begin. Although originally charged with five counts of child abuse and endangerment due to the children’s presence during the shooting, those charges were dropped due to evidentiary issues.
During sentencing, Fresno County Superior Court Judge William Terrence emphasized the community’s loss of a valued mother and medical professional. Saldana’s daughter delivered a powerful statement condemning her father’s actions, highlighting the deep pain caused to the family.
The court considered the domestic violence context and the presence of the children at the scene when issuing the sentence. Additionally, Saldana is barred from contacting or seeing his children for at least three years.
Family members pleaded for a longer sentence, but the agreed plea was upheld. A GoFundMe started by one of the children remains open to support the family.
If you want further details on California’s sentencing laws for domestic violence-related murder or information on victim support resources, that can be provided.
