RON FREITAS
District Attorney

Office of the District Attorney
Protecting our community for 175 Years
Ron Freitas
District Attorney

Meet District Attorney Ron Freitas

Ronald J. Freitas is the 42nd District Attorney to lead San Joaquin County’s chief law enforcement agency. This administration maintains a zero-tolerance approach to prosecuting criminals, working with local, state, and federal partners to create a safe and secure San Joaquin County for everyone.

"The mission of the District Attorney's Office is to bring justice and closure to victims of crime."

“True public safety requires a collaboration
between law enforcement and the community.” - Betsy Hodges

San Joaquin County DA Ron Freitas Discusses First 100 Days of Prop. 36


Click here to view the video on 
Fox 40 News (Fox40.com)

Ron Freitas - First 100 Days of Prop 36

For Immediate Release

Breaking News


February 20, 2025

San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office Secures Guilty Verdict in Heinous Murder of Loren Faria

A San Joaquin County jury delivered a first-degree murder guilty verdict against Walter Green for the barbaric killing of Loren Faria. The verdict concludes a trial arising from the brutal events of April 19, 2023, when Green tortured and murdered Faria, a vulnerable man reliant on a walker, over a perceived slight.

District Attorney Ron Freitas hailed the verdict as a triumph of justice, declaring, “This guilty verdict is a monumental victory for Loren Faria, his family, and every citizen of San Joaquin County who demands safety and accountability. Walter Green’s vicious, unrepentant attack on a defenseless man shocked the conscience of our community, and I am profoundly grateful to the jury for their ironclad resolve in delivering justice. Their decision stands as a powerful rebuke to such monstrous cruelty.”

The investigation, skillfully led by Sgt. Edgar Rodriguez of the Stockton Police Department exposed the horrifying details of the crime. On April 19, 2023, Green encountered Faria at the RTD bus station in downtown Stockton. After accusing Faria of inappropriate behavior, Green lured him to a secluded area under false pretenses. There, he unleashed a ferocious assault, stomping on Faria’s face and striking him approximately 15 times with his own walker. Green later confessed to the attack, coldly stating he believed Faria deserved to die.

In the aftermath, Green discarded bloodied clothing and attempted to eliminate evidence. When questioned by authorities, he displayed no remorse, asserting he would repeat the act if given the opportunity. An autopsy confirmed that Faria endured extensive blunt force trauma, including multiple skull fractures, facial lacerations, broken ribs, and severe brain injuries, with the cause of death ruled as blunt force trauma to the head and torso.

District Attorney Freitas expressed deep appreciation for the professionals who secured this outcome. “I offer my sincere thanks to Deputy District Attorney Elton Grau, and Paralegal, Michelle Vargas for their determined and skillful work in the courtroom, and to Sgt. Edgar Rodriguez and the Stockton Police Department for their exceptional investigative efforts. Their commitment ensured that this senseless violence did not happen in vain.”

The trial unfolded in Department 8D under the oversight of Presiding Judge Orcutt, with the sentencing phase scheduled for April 21, 2025, at 9 AM in Department 8 D at the San Joaquin County Superior Court.

Ron Freitas
District Attorney, San Joaquin County
— Protecting Our Community Since 1850

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Erin Haight
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San Joaquin County
Family Justice Center

A Family Justice Center is a collaborative model of service delivery that brings together a range of resources and support services under one roof to better serve victims of Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, Sexual Assault, Elder Abuse, Child Abuse, and Stalking.

The goal of a Family Justice Center is to provide comprehensive and coordinated support to individuals and families affected by abuse, helping them to feel safe and supported as they navigate the process of seeking help and rebuilding their lives.

Visit the Family Justice Center