The man who murdered his estranged wife in 2020 in an intoxicated fit of rage was sentenced to 25-years to life after being convicted of the premeditated murder.

Daniel Gracia Mendoza, 33, of Ceres, was convicted of the August 13, 2020 shooting death of his wife, Yessica Mendoza, 29, in the 3900 block of Suncrest Drive.

According to the Stanislaus County Deputy District Attorney Melissa Chichportich who prosecuted the case, Gracia was intoxicated when he began arguing with his wife. He grabbed a revolver and shot her in the face.

During a 911 call made by a witness from the house at 9:17 p.m., Gracia was heard saying, “I shot her.”

Gracia also admitted to the witness that he shot his wife.

Ceres Police officers responded to the call and found Mendoza lying mortally wounded on the ground in the front yard next to the driveway with the suspect kneeling over her. Despite officers immediately starting CPR, she died from the fatal gunshot wound. Officers located the murder weapon at the residence.

Mendoza was survived by her three children, siblings, and mother.

The couple was licensed to wed in March 2018.

The suspect had a history of being violent with Mendoza and had violated a court order and the law that forbids an ex-felon from possessing a firearm.