A San Joaquin County realtor was charged with first-degree murder Thursday in connection with a fatal shooting in Lodi earlier this week.
Scott Sherman, 39, of Lodi, is facing a first-degree murder charge with an enhancement for the alleged personal use of a firearm in the death of 53-year-old Felix Makinano, according to the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors said if Sherman is found guilty, his maximum sentence could be 50 years to life in prison. However, Sherman’s attorney Allen Sawyer alleges that the death was a case of self-defense.
Shortly before 4 a.m. Tuesday, the Lodi Police Department was called to the first block of South School Street on reports of gunshots heard.
Officers arrived at the scene and found Makinano, who was unhoused, suffering from gunshot wounds. He later died at a hospital from his injuries.
After an investigation, detectives said they were led to a home not far from where the shooting took place where they believed two people allegedly involved in the shooting were located.
Sawyer said the home belonged to his client.
Police used negotiations and phone contact with a man and woman who were inside the residence. Police said a 29-year-old woman exited the property, but their SWAT team had to enter to apprehend Sherman.
A search warrant allegedly resulted in finding narcotics, a firearm and additional evidence related to the homicide, police said.
Sawyer said that the drug found was marijuana for personal use.
