FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Lavale Shawn Vean Jr., 38, of Madera, has been sentenced to 34 years to life in state prison for the 2017 murder of Roberto Ramos in Fresno.
The shooting occurred on October 2, 2017, when Vean and another individual arrived at the Ramos family’s home around 1:00 p.m. Armed with a .40 caliber and 9mm handgun, the pair opened fire on three victims who were in the garage and front yard.
A total of 16 rounds were fired. The victims—52-year-old Roberto Ramos, his wife Irma, and their 20-year-old son Jacob—were all rushed to Community Regional Medical Center. Roberto Ramos later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators uncovered a history between Vean and the Ramos family, specifically a 2015 altercation with Jacobo Ramos. Cell phone data placed Vean in Madera County shortly after the shooting.
On October 22, 2017, Vean fled from law enforcement during a traffic stop, abandoning his vehicle and escaping on foot. A 9mm firearm recovered from his car was later matched to shell casings found at the murder scene.
He evaded capture until February 10, 2018, when he was arrested in Texas and extradited back to Fresno County.
Following multiple legal delays, Vean pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on April 29, 2025. He also admitted to personally using a firearm and having a prior strike conviction from a 2015 robbery.
Although Vean was 20 years old at the time of the crime, California law classifies him as a youthful offender, making him eligible for a Youthful Offender Parole Hearing after serving 25 years.
