Defendant Convicted of Rancho Cordova Shooting Murder

DATE: December 22, 2021

CASE: Faron Mello  (Case #19FE016085)

PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney Kristen Andersen, Homicide Unit

Faron Mello was convicted by a jury of the first-degree murder of Kenneth Neal Evans and a personal use of a firearm allegation was found true.  Mello was also convicted of felon in possession of a firearm.

On September 7, 2019, the victim was attending a birthday party in Rancho Cordova when a fight broke out in the parking lot. The fight was a result of threats that were made on social media up until the night of the party. During the fight, the victim was shot at three times and hit in the chest and in the hand. On the way to the hospital, the victim made a dying declaration naming Mello as the shooter. The victim died from his wounds early the next morning. Detectives located and arrested Mello in Medford, Oregon the next day. The firearm used in the murder was never recovered.

Mello faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in prison.  Sentencing is set for February 18, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. in Department 25 before the Honorable Donald Currier.