Case Update – Mario Franco Hernandez Sentenced to 75 Years to Life After a Jury Found Him Guilty of Murder 

July 3, 2026 – Sutter County District Attorney’s Office officials report that on October 10, 2024, at approximately 10:50 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Wilson Avenue following reports of gunfire and a shooting victim. Upon arrival, officers and paramedics found 42-year-old Phillip (PJ) Gonzales Jr. (pictured) had sustained fatal injuries from a gunshot wound. The Yuba City Police Department’s Investigation Unit immediately took over the investigation and diligently pursued all leads to identify and locate the suspect. On November 5, 2025, at approximately 12:20 p.m., investigators located the suspect, 37-year-old Mario Juan Franco Hernandez, walking near Forbes Avenue and Gray Avenue. Hernandez was taken into custody without incident and later booked into the Sutter County Jail on a charge of murder.

On May 22nd, 2026, a jury returned a verdict of guilty of first degree murder and related enhancements. Thank you, members of the jury, for the service you provided to this community.

On July 2nd, the trial judge sentenced Hernandez to a total of 75 years to life. The original 25-to-life sentence for murder was doubled to 50 to life due to a prior strike conviction, and a consecutive 25-to-life sentence was added for the personal use of a firearm causing great bodily injury or death enhancement. PJ’s family, supported by victim advocates, provided impact statements detailing the profoundly shattering and ongoing loss they experience.

District Attorney Jennifer R. Dupré led the prosecution, with Officer Jared Thornton of the Yuba City Police Department serving as lead investigator. We are grateful for the civilians and members of law enforcement who testified or otherwise assisted in bringing justice for PJ.

Source & photo: Sutter County District Attorney’s Office