FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — On the corner of Blackstone and Nees, families lined the sidewalk, demanding changes to Proposition 57 on Saturday.
“All of us have our own story and we’re just trying to bring awareness to the fact that it’s just light sentencing for horrific crimes,” said one victim’s mother.
Prop 57 was approved by California voters in 2016. It gave judges the power to decide if a minor should be tried as an adult instead of prosecutors.
Anthony Calderon was shot and killed last thanksgiving in Central Fresno. The four suspects arrested by police were a 16-year-old, two 19-year-olds, and a 20-year-old.
“The way that he was killed was a random act of violence. They did not know him. They shot at him over 56 times, he was shot three times,” said Calderon’s mother.
Calderon’s mother was one of dozens speaking for those who can’t.
Some argue Prop 57 lets juveniles literally get away with murder.
“Of course, they’re going to be doing outrageous crimes out here cause they’re not getting the right punishment, they’re not learning their lesson,” said Jessica Sanchez, the mother of a victim of a violent crime.
Those who support Prop 57 said it ultimately increases public safety through rehabilitation and saves taxpayers money by reducing the prison population.
At the time it was on the ballot, prison spending had ballooned to over $10 billion a year.
But victims’ families said violent young people should be kept behind bars.
“There is no justice without accountability. I think we failed to realize in the state of California that we can keep our community safe and provide rehabilitation at the same time,” said the Founder of Kendra’s Cause, Debra Rush.
The families have been holding a number of protests recently and also received support from the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.
