A Lodi real estate agent will likely spend the rest of his life in prison after a deadly encounter outside a downtown bar. Yesterday, 40-year-old Scott Sherman was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison plus three years for the October 3, 2023, shooting of 53-year-old Felix Makinano, a man who had been living on the streets. Sherman was previously convicted of first-degree murder and related weapons and drug offenses in the killing outside Garry’s Lounge in downtown Lodi, in what prosecutors described as a drug- and alcohol-fueled attack.
Sentence and courtroom remarks
According to CBS Sacramento, the court imposed a term of 50 years to life, plus an additional three years. District Attorney Ron Freitas said the sentence brings justice and accountability for the family of Felix Makinano, the outlet reported.
Trial evidence and conviction
Prosecutors told jurors Sherman had been drinking and had taken psilocybin at his Lodi apartment before encountering Makinano outside Garry's Lounge, as outlined by the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. Witnesses, the office said, described Sherman becoming paranoid, arming himself, and then shooting Makinano twice in the back as Makinano tried to run away.
The shooting and arrest
After the gunfire, Sherman returned to his apartment, shut off the lights, and tried to disable his home surveillance system before officers arrested him, according to authorities. Investigators later served a search warrant at the residence and recovered a firearm and drugs, prosecutors told KCRA.
Family reacts
Makinano’s relatives said the worst part was breaking the news to his children, according to Anthony Makinano, who spoke with CBS Sacramento after the shooting. Family members described Makinano as a father of two who had fallen on hard times and was living on the streets.
Legal note
Sherman was convicted of first-degree murder, and jurors found true a firearm enhancement that can add decades to a prison term under California law, the district attorney’s office said. The conviction also included counts for carrying a loaded firearm and possession of a controlled substance, according to the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office.
