Jury convicts Merced man of first-degree murder

The family of Raymond Garza wiped tears from their eyes and hugged each other Thursday as jurors unanimously convicted a 21-year-old Merced man of killing their loved one.

Michael L. Wilkins was found guilty of first-degree murder and other charges in connection with Garza’s death on Aug. 8, 2012. Garza, 47, was shot and killed at a Park Avenue apartment complex in Merced, according to the Police Department.

“It took us 21/2 years to get here, but I think the justice system proved itself once again,” said Alex Garza, the victim’s older brother.

A jury of seven women and five men deliberated about two hours before handing down the guilty verdict before Merced Superior Court Judge Ronald W. Hansen following a weeklong trial.

The jury’s findings, however, riled Wilkins’ family, especially his mother, Donnika, who said she is planning to appeal the case.

“The verdict was wrong,” she said outside the courtroom. “They overlooked his mental state. He was born with brain damage.”

Donnika Wilkins had harsh words for the judge, the jury, prosecutors and police, as well as the victim’s family. She made several comments to Garza’s family outside the courthouse.

Alex Garza appeared to sympathize with the defendant’s family.

“Both families are losing in this whole thing,” he said. “It’s terrible for everybody to have to go through this.”

Wilkins is due back in court May 22 for sentencing. He faces a possible life sentence without the possibility of parole, according to the Merced County District Attorney’s Office.

Prosecutors said Garza was defending a disabled man when he was shot by Wilkins.

Michael McKinney, the deputy district attorney who prosecuted the case, said Wilkins first robbed two people at gunpoint, taking wallets and a cellphone, then entered the Park Avenue apartment where Garza was taking care of the disabled man. Garza was shot during a struggle and Wilkins fled the area.

Wilkins swam across Bear Creek, where he dropped the gun.

Merced police found Wilkins about 13 minutes after the first report of shots fired came from neighbors. Wilkins still had some blood on his face when police stopped him. Analysis confirmed the blood on Wilkins’ face belonged to Garza, McKinney said.

“The Police Department had an incredible response time; they found him with some of the victim’s property – his cellphone – and it removed any question of his guilt,” McKinney said.

McKinney praised the work of Detective Chris Russell, lead investigator in the case. The prosecutor said he was also grateful to the jury for “taking the case seriously and coming to a just verdict.”

The case against Wilkins was delayed several times. Defense attorneys repeatedly questioned Wilkins’ ability to comprehend his actions, but doctors found him competent to stand trial. Wilkins’ mother insisted her son’s mental state should have prevented him from standing trial.

McKinney said he hoped the verdict provided some measure of comfort to the victim’s family.

This story was originally published April 23, 2015 at 2:35 PM with the headline "Jury convicts Merced man of first-degree murder."