The verdict is in for Rigoberto Cisneros, 45, of Modesto, who now faces a possible life sentence after a jury found him guilty of first-degree premeditated murder, attempted murder, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The conviction stems from a violent shootout at Latinos Bar in Ceres six years ago, according to the Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office.
On August 13, 2016, Cisneros was at the aforementioned bar armed with a handgun. He was not allowed to have a gun due to his criminal history. His anger was kindled when a woman favored the victim, Luis Antonio Malagon, with her conversation over him. Cisneros retaliated by shooting Malagon multiple times in the back and aiming at the bartender before escaping the scene. District Attorney Jeff Laugero confirmed that the motive was tied to this jealousy in a Stanislaus County District Attorney announcement posted on Facebook regarding the conviction.
The prompt response of the Ceres Police Department detectives led to the identification and arrest of Cisneros within days. He was apprehended at a local motel, along with the firearm used in the murder. According to the investigators, Cisneros confessed to the crime at the time of his arrest. However, mitigating factors, such as Cisneros's health leading to hospitalization, contributed to the protracted proceedings of the case.
Cisneros is scheduled for sentencing on November 1. Pursuing justice in the case, Assistant Chief Sam Luzadas led the prosecution. For more information, media representatives are directed to contact the district attorney's office through the indicated email, [email protected], as noted by the Stanislaus County District Attorney's official announcement.
