Four years after one of Sacramento’s deadliest nights, the criminal case has hit a critical turning point. On Tuesday, a mistrial was declared in the trial of Dandrae Martin and Mtula Payton, who were accused in the April 3, 2022 K Street shooting that left six people dead and twelve wounded. While jurors unanimously convicted both men on weapons charges for being felons in possession of firearms, they could not reach agreement on the murder charges, even after prosecutors dropped the first-degree murder counts to improve the odds of conviction.
The case highlights a legal complexity that catches many people off guard: California law doesn’t classify all six deceased in this incident as official victims. Only three are legally recognized as victims—21-year-old JoJo Alexander, 57-year-old Melinda Davis, and 21-year-old Yamile Martinez-Andrade. The other three deaths, while absolutely tragic, involved individuals who were themselves participants in the shooting. It’s a technicality that leaves many in our community questioning whether the system truly serves those who suffered most.
The Sacramento County District Attorney’s office now faces a decision: retry the case, pursue a plea agreement, or accept the current conviction on weapons charges. For families who’ve waited four years for answers, the path forward remains uncertain. What do you think should happen next—should prosecutors push for another trial?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
