Man sentenced to three years in prison for fatal hit-and-run in Central Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A judge on Tuesday sentenced Steve Garcia to three years in prison for the 2024 death of Paul Sanchez in central Fresno.

"The callousness. The egregiousness. The attempt to cover up what had just occurred," Deputy District Attorney Matthew Khim said.

Investigators said Sanchez was riding his bike when Garcia crashed into him and then drove off, never calling police.

"I will never understand a man your age being so irresponsible, not even stopping to help," Sanchez's mother, Liza Barnett, said.

Sanchez's family remembered him in court.

"He was full of life. Never a dull moment. He would always make you laugh when you were down," Barnett said.

Garcia eventually turned himself in and then pleaded no contest to hit-and-run last month. At least one person thought Garcia was intoxicated after the crash, but there was not enough evidence.

"We are deeply sorry for the loss of Mr. Sanchez," defense attorney David Balakian said. Balakian called the case tragic and said they are sorry for the victim.

The judge did not hear from Garcia himself. He remained slumped over, looking down, as his attorney spoke.

"Mr. Garcia left. Judge, respectfully, what he did after that, what does it matter?" Balakian said.

The comment angered Sanchez's loved ones, prompting the judge to intervene.

"Folks in the audience, please refrain from verbal outbursts," Fresno County Superior Court Judge Houry Sanderson said.

Judge Sanderson later wished the victim's family well, saying she hopes they can find "satisfaction" in their memories of Sanchez.

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