During opening statements at a criminal trial in Fresno County Superior Court, prosecutor Jeff Dupras said a Fresno man shot and killed his wife last year in front of his mother. The man, Daniel Joseph Galvan, 36, is charged with murdering his wife, Ann-Marie Galvan, 41, while he was intoxicated and high on methamphetamines. The incident occurred several days after the two had reunited after a string of domestic violence problems.
Galvan’s defense attorney agreed with the prosecution that his client shot his wife six times at home while relatives were present there. However, he contended that Galvan could not have formed the specific intent to commit murder because he “was in a meth-induced psychosis and in a state a paranoia” following three days of intense drug use.
Moreover, defense counsel said that doctors indicated Galvan’s drug addiction caused mental disorder and an anti-social personality. As such, Galvan, who was in a “zombie-like” state when he shot his wife, couldn’t comprehend his actions or their implications, according to his attorney.
Dupras, however, countered that there was no diminished capacity on Galvan’s part and told jurors to disregard such a defense, insisting instead that Galvan was motivated by fear that his wife would leave him again. Dupras also said that Galvan, who was arrested without incident, confessed to police officers that he shot his wife and also told them where to find the .380 semi-automatic pistol he shot her with.
If convicted of murder, Galvan faces 50 years to life in prison.
Get In Touch With Us Today
It is important that you contact us as soon as possible if you are facing criminal charges. Let the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Hammerschmidt Law Corporation protect your rights.
Connect & Stay Informed
Hammerschmidt Law Corporation's criminal defense attorneys are located in Fresno, CA and serve Central California clients, including those in Fresno, Kings, Madera, Tulare, Merced and Stanislaus counties. We are available to represent clients in all federal courts in the United States. Attorney Advertising: This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.