California Father Sentenced to 18 Years to Life for Killing Estranged Wife as Daughter Tells Court: ‘Every Single One of His Children Hates Him’
CLOVIS, CALIFORNIA — A 41-year-old California father who shot and killed his estranged wife in a burst of jealousy and wounded her then-boyfriend will spend 18 years to life in prison, a Fresno County judge ruled Thursday — following an emotional hearing where one of his daughters condemned him in open court.
The defendant, Antonio Saldana Jr., pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder after years of contesting the charges stemming from the September 2021 killing of 33-year-old Lisa Saldana.
Mother of Five Murdered in Backyard as Children Were Home
According to prosecutors, Saldana arrived at the couple’s Clovis residence on the night of the killing and opened fire in the backyard, fatally shooting Lisa and injuring her boyfriend. Their five children were inside the home during the shooting.
Saldana originally faced child abuse and endangerment charges, but those counts were later dismissed due to insufficient admissible evidence. Still, Judge William Terrence emphasized their presence during the murder:
“This is a case of domestic violence. All five children were present at the house when this incident took place.”
Judge and Family Members Condemn Defendant During Sentencing
During the hearing, Saldana reportedly sat slumped over, one foot shaking, as the judge and multiple family members delivered sharply critical statements.
Judge Terrence told the packed courtroom:
“Our community lost a very good mother, a very good daughter. We lost a medical professional. Our community lost a friend.”
But the strongest condemnation came from Saldana’s 18-year-old daughter, who directed her remarks straight at her father.
She told the court:
“You took away the only good parent your children had. Every single one of his children hates him. We find you and your actions unforgivable and disgusting. You’re a shell of a man and a horrible excuse for a human being.”
She added:
“We all miss our mom, and nothing can bring her back.”
Victim’s Mother Pleads for Harsher Punishment
Although the sentence was part of a plea agreement, members of Lisa Saldana’s family begged the judge to impose more time.
Lisa’s mother recalled the moment she discovered her daughter’s body:
“I ran into the house and saw my daughter. She was already dead, lying on the floor. Please, I implore you — give him more time.”
The court, however, upheld the negotiated sentence.
In addition to prison time, Saldana is barred from seeing any of his children for at least three years, with further restrictions subject to review.
GoFundMe for Victim’s Children Still Active
A GoFundMe created by one of the Saldana children remains active to support the siblings as they continue rebuilding their lives after the devastating loss.
Saldana was ordered into the custody of the California Department of Corrections, where he will begin serving the life-term sentence immediately.
What’s your reaction to this emotional California sentencing? Should plea deals be allowed in domestic-violence homicides involving children? Share your thoughts and follow more crime coverage at WaldronNews.com.