Repeat DUI offender sentenced for fatal Selma hit-and-run that killed man and his dog

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A repeat DUI offender who pleaded guilty in a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a Selma man and his dog was sentenced to more than 17 years in state prison on Wednesday.

Roberto Ramos Cisneros appeared in Fresno County Superior Court, where a judge imposed a sentence of just over 17 years after he pleaded guilty to three charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

"The conduct in this case is relatively egregious..." Senior Deputy District Attorney Steven Ueltzen told the court.

The case stems from a 2024 crash near Floral Avenue and Wright Street in Selma. Authorities found Robert Leeper suffering from life-threatening injuries in the roadway. He was transported to a hospital but did not survive.

Prosecutors said Cisneros fled the scene after striking Leeper and only stopped after crashing his vehicle a short distance away.

"The defendant described his impact with the victim in this case as hitting him at full blast, and when apprehended by officers, decided instead of submitting to custody to fight the officer at that time," Ueltzen said.

During sentencing, Cisneros' attorney, Gary Caine, argued that his client had accepted responsibility and expressed remorse for his actions.

"He has shown genuine remorse and compassion for the victim of this case. This is not something that he ever expected to happen in his life. He's extremely sorry," Caine said.

Prosecutors countered by highlighting Cisneros' criminal history, including two prior DUI convictions.

"This is a defendant who's been warned that driving under the influence can kill," Ueltzen said.

The sentence concludes the criminal case, but prosecutors used the hearing to warn about the consequences of future offenses.

Ueltzen noted that repeat DUI offenders who continue to drive under the influence after being warned about the dangers can face increasingly serious charges.

"I can assure that there will be no hesitation on the part of the District Attorney's office if he continues to engage in this conduct. That he will be facing the full weight of prosecution from our office if he is unfortunate enough to take the life of another person, he will be charged with murder," Ueltzen said.

The judge echoed concerns about repeated impaired driving before sentencing Cisneros to more than 17 years in prison for the crash that claimed Leeper's life.

Cisneros will have his driving privileges revoked for three years and be required to install an ignition breathalyzer in his car following his sentence.

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