Fresno County man sentenced to 15 years to life in 2024 deadly DUI crash
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Fresno County judge sentenced Ryan Trevino on Friday to 15 years to life in prison for murder in connection with a deadly DUI crash that killed John Michael Tarter near Friant in January 2024.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Ryan Wells ordered the sentence from the bench.
"Mr. Trevino is ordered to serve the mandated, indeterminate term of 15 years to life in prison," Wells said.
Prosecutors said Trevino crashed head-on into Tarter's truck, killing him. They told the court Trevino's blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit at the time of the crash, and that marijuana was later found in his system.
In their final statement, prosecutors argued the crash was not an isolated mistake, citing Trevino's three prior DUI convictions and describing the incident as his fourth offense.
"He made the decision to drink alcohol. He made the decision to then drive home fast at one point driving up to 95 miles an hour," Deputy District Attorney Steven Ueltzen told the court.
Prosecutors also said Trevino crossed into oncoming traffic, tailgated other drivers and recorded himself driving before the crash. They told the judge that witnesses reported seeing Trevino try to leave the scene.
According to prosecutors, Trevino made six phone calls after the crash, first to his criminal defense attorney and then to family members, but none to 9-1-1.
"And each of those phone calls were made while John Tarter was still alive," Ueltzen said.
Defense attorney David Jones disputed the prosecution's characterization of events, arguing that Trevino had shown remorse and did not attempt to flee.
"Mr. Trevino was seriously injured and trapped in the vehicle, and the vehicle was significantly damaged and wasn't going anywhere," Jones said.
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Trevino declined to make a statement when given the opportunity to address the court.
"Is there anything you would like to say today?" Wells asked.
"No, your honor," Trevino replied.
Tarter was described in court as a husband, father, and grandfather.
Before concluding the hearing, Wells addressed Trevino directly.
"Drinking and driving kills people every day," Wells said.
"You will spend a lot of time in custody. I hope you spend some of that time thinking about John who died as a result of your actions."
Along with his prison sentence, Trevino also had his probation denied, his driving privileges revoked, and is forced to pay thousands in restitution and fines.
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