Mistaken Identity Leads to Football Party Murder

A California resident, Daniel Epimenio Gonzalez, 39, has been sentenced to a minimum of 75 years in prison for a fatal shooting that occurred outside a Super Bowl party in February 2020. The victim, Frank Rojas, 24, was a San Francisco 49ers fan who was celebrating his team’s participation in the National Football League championship game when he was shot by Gonzalez.

The Fresno jury found Gonzalez guilty of all charges in October 2024, including murder with a firearm enhancement and possession of a firearm by a felon. The prosecution argued that Gonzalez, a known gang member, had mistaken Rojas’ 49ers flag for a rival gang’s insignia and approached the Rojas residence with violent intentions.

During the sentencing hearing, Fresno County Deputy District Attorney Liz Owen described how Gonzalez had acted aggressively, pretending to shoot at the house with his hand. The defense, however, argued that Rojas had provoked an altercation, a claim that was dismissed by Fresno County Superior Court Judge Arlan Harrell III.

Judge Harrell stated that there was no provocation from Rojas. He described how Gonzalez had ridden up to the house on a bicycle, made gun gestures, beckoned people to come out, and then shot Rojas. The murder weapon, an improvised firearm made from random parts, was recovered from the homeless encampment where Gonzalez was living at the time of the murder.

During the trial, Gonzalez was personally identified in court by Fresno Police Detective Michelle Vanzant. She described the suspect as a Hispanic male, around 30 years old, with facial tattoos, wearing shorts and a blue baseball cap, and riding a bike. When asked to identify the suspect in court, Vanzant pointed to Gonzalez.

The defense questioned the handling of the murder weapon, suggesting it could have been tampered with as the officers on the scene did not change gloves. However, the jury dismissed this argument.

Kimberly Rodriguez, Rojas’ cousin, gave an emotional impact statement during the trial, describing Rojas as a great son and father. She expressed her inability to forgive Gonzalez for his actions, hoping that he would seek forgiveness from God.

Gonzalez maintained a stoic demeanor throughout his final court appearance, with his attorney acknowledging his lack of remorse.