A Turlock man was convicted of attempted murder and assault with a firearm for two separate incidents in January and March 2010, announced Stanislaus County District Attorney Birgit Fladager on Friday.
Ivan Alejandro Zamora Blanco, 37, of Turlock, was convicted on Sept. 13 of attempted murder with premeditation, personal use and intentional discharge of a firearm, assault with a firearm, and assault with a semiautomatic firearm at the conclusion of a three-week jury trial before the Honorable Judge Dawna Frenchie Reeves. Deputy District Attorney Jeffrey M. Laugero prosecuted the case for the People.
On Jan. 26, 2010, Blanco, driving a distinctive white Lincoln Aviator, targeted a woman driving alone on West Main Street in Turlock. As the woman drove towards Modesto on Highway 99 between the Monte Vista and Fulkerth exits, Blanco fired at her with a handgun.
One bullet shattered the rear passenger door window and pierced the driver’s seat headrest before shattering the driver’s door window. Blanco fled after the shooting. The woman was not injured.
On March 29, 2010, Blanco and a friend went to a home on Joett Drive in Turlock to confront the residents. A dispute had erupted between the parties when the residents accused Blanco and his friend of stealing some of their tools. Blanco, again driving the Aviator, drove by the home, made a u-turn and, while passing back by the home, fired a round from a semiautomatic handgun.
Several of the residents were in front of the home when the round was fired. Blanco, again, fled after the shooting.
After the shooting at the Joett Drive home, an investigation led by Turlock Police Detective
Brandon Bertram identified Blanco as the responsible in both shootings. Blanco was located and arrested. A search of Blanco’s residence following his arrest revealed another handgun and numerous calibers of ammunition. During an interview, Blanco admitted to both shootings.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 18. Blanco faces a maximum of life in prison with the possibility of parole.
