Stanislaus County District Attorney Jeff Laugero announced this week that Alfonso Phillip Cervantes, 49, of Turlock was sentenced to serve 50 years-to-life for the murder of 30-year-old Nicolette Ciabatti. Deputy District Attorney Sara D. Sousa prosecuted the case.

On Jan. 19, 2020, Cervantes was driving his car with Ms. Ciabatti as his passenger. They had met two days prior. At about 2 a.m. Cervantes, armed with a loaded handgun, pulled over on McHenry Avenue just south of Stewart Road and shot Ciabatti six times, killing her. After shooting her, Cervantes left Ciabatti on the side of the road and drove to Oakdale where he called 911. Cervantes admitted to shooting the woman, but claimed it was in self-defense. The firearm used to commit the murder, the number and location of rounds fired, the injuries to the victim, physical and forensic evidence and Cervantes’ statement proved otherwise.

On Aug. 26, 2024, a jury found Cervantes guilty of premediated first-degree murder and found true he discharged a firearm causing Ciabatti’s death.

On Dec. 27, 2024, Judge Shawn Bessey sentenced Cervantes to 50 years-to-life in state prison.