Stockton Men Convicted of First-Degree Murder and Attempted Murder in Gang-Related Retaliatory Ambush

San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced today that Dominique Naylor and Jeffery Stewart, both associates of the Sutter St. Crip criminal street gang, have been convicted by jury of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and first-degree burglary in connection with a deadly retaliatory ambush at a private residence on September 23, 2023.

 The convictions stem from a premeditated conspiracy to kill rivals associated with the Norteno criminal street gang. On the night of the incident, Naylor and Stewart forcibly entered a home at 416 E. Flora St. in Stockton while armed with firearms. Inside, four individuals were present. The defendants assaulted the occupants before Stewart opened fire in a small bedroom, fatally shooting victim Daniel Juarez in the face as he slept in a recliner. A second victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds causing great bodily injury.

During the attack, one occupant fired back in self-defense, striking Naylor. Naylor’s subsequent arrival at Dameron Hospital for treatment, accompanied by Stewart, provided critical leads for Stockton Police Department detectives. Follow-up investigation uncovered social media evidence establishing the defendants’ motive, prior threats, and conspiracy to commit the killings.

Verdicts:

Defendant Dominique Naylor was found GUILTY of:

•  PC 187(a) – First-Degree Murder

•  PC 664/187(a) – Attempted Murder

•  PC 459 – First-Degree Burglary

•  Admission to two prior strike convictions in San Joaquin County

Defendant Jeffery Stewart was found GUILTY of:

•  PC 187(a) – First-Degree Murder with PC 12022.53(d) – Discharge of a Firearm Causing Great Bodily Injury/Death

•  PC 664/187(a) – Attempted Murder with PC 12022.53(d) – Discharge of a Firearm Causing Great Bodily Injury/Death

•  PC 459 – First-Degree Burglary with PC 12022.5(a) – Personal Use of a Firearm

 The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Theresa Stroud, with victim witness advocates Isabella Cruz and Laura Reeves, and clerical support from Samantha Hills. Lead Detective Anthony Cooper of the Stockton Police Department conducted the investigation.

“Gang violence is a scourge that tears at the fabric of our communities and claims innocent lives and my office will no longer tolerate it. Those responsible will be held fully accountable under the law,” said District Attorney Ron Freitas.

Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for January 9, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Department 8A before Judge Hoyt.