Man who shot into home, wounding one, sentenced to Life - Larry Basford

Prosecutor Frank Sullivan, left, Circuit Judge Brantley Clark, the defendant and his attorney, and a bailiff during sentencing.

A Panama City man Monday was sentenced to Life in prison, on top of various other prison terms, for firing 4 shots into his ex-wife’s home and striking her boyfriend, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Circuit Court Judge Brantley Clark sentenced Lucas Rivera-Carmona, 52, to Life in prison for Attempted First-Degree Premeditated murder in the Aug. 17, 2023 shooting. A jury found Rivera-Carmona guilty of that charge Dec. 4, along with Attempted Second-Degree Murder, Shooting into an Occupied Building, and Child Abuse.

Clark sentenced the defendant to 25 years on second Attempted Murder charge, with 20 years of that being minimum/mandatory. Clark gave the defendant 15 years for shooting into the building, and 5 years for child abuse. Additionally, the defendant had been placed on probation for being a felon with a firearm shortly before the shooting in this case. He received 10 more years for violating that probation.

“The State is asking for Life,” Prosecutor Frank Sullivan told Judge Clark at sentencing. He said the lengthy penalty was appropriate, “because this was the second offense with a firearm within such a short period of time.”

Sullivan called 8 witnesses at trial and presented evidence gathered by the Panama City Police Department proving that Rivera-Carmona was upset that his ex-wife was in a new relationship.

“This case highlights the importance of swift and meticulous investigative work, as well as the bravery of victims and witnesses who come forward to ensure justice is served,” Sullivan said. “This type of violence will not be tolerated, and we will continue to use the legislative tools at our disposal, like the Habitual Felony Offender laws, to keep our community safe.”

Rivera-Carmona fired 4 shots into a West 17th Street apartment where his ex-wife, her new boyfriend, and a child were present. All 4 bullets passed through the headboard of the occupants’ bed and one struck the boyfriend.

State Attorney Larry Basford commended the thorough work of the Panama City Police Department and the cooperation of the victims in securing this conviction.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.