MODESTO – A man convicted in a 2022 stabbing that claimed the life of a father of four was sentenced in Stanislaus County Superior Court Wednesday.

Manuel Junior Maldonado appeared before Judge Robert Westbrook Wednesday morning. He was found guilty for his involvement in the death of 28 year old David Mendoza, who was fatally stabbed on Lander Avenue in Turlock in September of 2022.

Irma Gomez, the victim’s mother, was invited to address the court and gave a tearful statement with the help of an interpreter. Through sobs and tears, Gomez described how the death of her son has greatly impacted her life.

“I have to fake looking okay to my family and loved ones,” Gomez explained. “When our spouses die, we are considered widows. When our parents die, we are called orphans. I would like to ask this person (the accused) what label does he have for me after the death of my son?”

Mendoza was described as a loving and providing father of four. One of his children also spoke in court, describing the unimaginable pain of having her time with her father cut short.

Maldonado was convicted in December of 2024 after a three week jury trial. Maldonado had a previous violent strike conviction and was alleged to have committed the murder for the benefit of the Norteño street gang.

On September 9th 2022, Turlock Police Officers responded to the area of Lander and Bernell Avenues for a report of a person stabbed. There they found Mendoza in the roadway with stab wounds to his chest. He was taken to Emmanuel Medical Center where he died.

Maldonado and two other suspected gang members were accused of attacking the victim, believing he was a member of a rival gang. A statement released by the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office said Maldonado stood by and watched while his co-defendants stabbed Mendoza. After the attack, Maldonado told onlookers that the area was Norteño territory. He was apprehended within hours of the attack.

Judge Westbrook noted that Maldonado committed an extremely violent offense, and poses a significant danger to the community. His previous convictions were also discussed.

In November of 2011, Maldonado was arrested following a six hour standoff with Turlock Police SWAT officers, following the attempted murder of a man and young boy. Maldonado was barricaded in a home, but surrendered after authorities used tear gas to bring him out. He was 19 years old at the time.

In total, after reviewing all charges and counts, Maldonado was sentenced to a total of 62 years, 8 months to life in prison. He was also ordered to surrender DNA samples along with finger and palm prints. He is expected to be turned over to the Department of Corrections on February 19th.