The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office announces the conviction of Michael Ramirez, 34, of Stockton, for the August 14, 2020, murder of Belen Jimenez. A jury found Ramirez guilty of second-degree murder, along with an enhancement for using a firearm in the commission of the murder. Additionally, Ramirez was convicted of felony possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and misdemeanor contempt of court for violating a criminal protective order.

On the day of the murder, Ramirez, who was on probation following a 2019 misdemeanor domestic violence conviction, shot and killed his girlfriend, Belen Jimenez, at his residence in Stockton. At the time of the incident, Ramirez was legally prohibited from possessing firearms and was under a criminal protective order, which mandated that he stay away from and have no contact with the victim.

The case was investigated by the Stockton Police Department, whose diligent efforts were instrumental in securing this conviction.

San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas issued a stern warning in response to the conviction. “This case is a grim reminder that those who violate the law and inflict violence on others will be held fully accountable. Michael Ramirez’s actions were not just a breach of legal orders, but a devastating betrayal of trust and humanity. This conviction underscores our commitment to pursuing justice for victims of domestic violence. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the Stockton Police Department and Chief McFadden for their rigorous investigation, Deputy District Attorney Theresa Stroud for her relentless pursuit of justice, and Judge Thomasson and the jury members for ensuring the law was enforced without compromise. We stand resolute in our fight to protect our community from those who seek to do it harm.”

Sentencing for Michael Ramirez will be scheduled at a later date.

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting the community and bringing justice to victims of crime.