Last week, in San Joaquin County Superior Court, Judge John Soldati sentenced defendant Bashir Zakria to 25 years to life in prison. Zakria pled guilty to violating Penal Code §368(b)(1) – Elder Abuse, admitting he inflicted great bodily injury on an 81-year-old victim, and to Penal Code §245(a)(1) for assaulting another inmate while in custody. Zakria also admitted to having two prior strike convictions.

The charges stem from a string of burglaries in Tracy on February 11, 2023, during which Zakria attacked and assaulted an elderly homeowner. These cases were investigated by the Tracy Police Department and the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.

District Attorney Ron Freitas emphasized the significance of the sentencing in protecting vulnerable members of the community. “The elderly in our community deserve to feel safe in their homes. This sentence sends a clear message that violent crimes against our most vulnerable will not be tolerated. My deepest gratitude goes to Deputy District Attorney Scott Porter, the dedicated prosecution team, and the exceptional investigators from the Tracy Police Department and the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office for ensuring justice was served.”

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding offenders accountable and safeguarding the community's residents.