Crime

Fatal Sacramento shooting leads to 40 years to life in prison for gunman, DA says

In the courts: Gavel silhouette
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.

Read our AI Policy.


  • A judge sentenced Guadalupe Valencia to 40 years to life in prison.
  • A jury convicted Valencia of second-degree murder for the North Sacramento shooting.
  • Prosecutors said Valencia killed Steve Allen Guy Jr. after an argument at a store.

A judge on Friday sentenced a man to 40 years to life in prison for a deadly shooting last year in North Sacramento where the victim was gunned down after an argument at a nearby convenience store.

Sacramento Superior Court Judge Kenneth Brody sentenced Guadalupe Valencia, 40, for the shooting death of 41-year-old Steve Allen Guy Jr.

On Feb. 25, a jury found Valencia guilty of second-degree murder and being a convicted felon in possession of a gun, according to a news release from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. The murder conviction included an enhancement for using a gun to cause death.

The fatal shooting last year was reported about 2:45 p.m. Nov. 21 in the 900 block of Harris Avenue, just east of Rio Linda Boulevard in Sacramento’s Del Paso Heights neighborhood.

Shortly before the shooting, Valencia and Guy were involved in an argument at the nearby Stop-N-Save Mart on Grand Avenue. Prosecutors said Guy then left the store and walked down the road away from Valencia.

Valencia remained in the store and called his wife to bring him a gun, according to the District Attorney’s Office. Valencia then got into a car with the gun and followed Guy.

Prosecutors said Valencia caught up to Guy and challenged him to a gun fight. When Guy brandished a gun, Valencia opened fire and shot Guy in the back. Guy was killed from a single gunshot to the torso.

Valencia left Sacramento after the shooting and headed to Olivehurst in Yuba County after seeing news reports of Guy’s death, according to the DA’s Office. Authorities found and arrested Valencia the following day.

Rosalio Ahumada
The Sacramento Bee
Rosalio Ahumada writes breaking news stories related to crime and public safety for The Sacramento Bee. He speaks Spanish fluently and has worked as a news reporter in the Central Valley since 2004.
Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
#ReadLocal

Only 44¢ per day

SUBSCRIBE NOW