Convicted murderer from Northwest Fresno receives sentence of 34 years to life in penitentiary.
In a courtroom in Fresno, California, on July 30, 2025, Lavale Vean Jr. was sentenced to 34 years to life in prison for the 2017 shooting death of Roberto Ramos. Vean pleaded no contest to the charges, admitting his responsibility for the tragic incident.
Roberto Ramos, a man of deep integrity who never turned anyone away, was killed on October 2, 2017, along with two others who were injured during the shooting. Vean, who was 20 years old at the time, was found to have fired at least 16 rounds from .40 caliber and 9mm handguns during the incident.
Prosecutors believe that Vean intended to shoot Ramos's son, possibly over a dispute from years earlier. However, Ramos was the unfortunate victim in this case.
Vean's defense attorney, Miles Harris, confirmed that Vean accepts responsibility for his actions. Yet, Vean's remorse did not seem to sway the judge, as a letter written by Vean expressing remorse was not influential during the sentencing.
As a youthful offender, Vean may be eligible for a Youthful Offender Parole Hearing after serving 25 years. However, this does not guarantee parole, and actual release would depend on the parole board's decision and other factors in his behavior and rehabilitation while incarcerated.
Several victim impact statements were read during sentencing, including one from Karina Ramos, the victim's daughter, who spoke about the impact of losing her father in a violent and senseless act. Vean also used his letter to request a prison assignment close to home.
Judge Sanderson urged Vean to reflect on his actions and make better choices while incarcerated and in the future. The judge offered a final message to the victim's loved ones, encouraging them to see Vean in their children and grandchildren, emphasising the importance of forgiveness and the hope for change.
[1] Fresno Bee, "Lavale Vean Jr. sentenced to 34 years to life in prison for 2017 shooting death of Roberto Ramos," July 30, 2025.
[2] Fresno County District Attorney's Office, "Lavale Vean Jr. convicted of second-degree murder in shooting death of Roberto Ramos," July 30, 2025.
The general-news article from Fresno Bee on July 30, 2025, reports that Lavale Vean Jr. was sentenced to 34 years to life in prison for the 2017 shooting death of Roberto Ramos, a man of deep integrity who was killed in a senseless act of crime-and-justice. The politics of sentencing did not seem to be swayed by Vean's remorse, as a letter expressing it was not influential during the hearing.
