Man gets 12 years for 2021 shooting that paralyzed teen

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A man who had faced 25 years to life in prison was instead sentenced to a total of 12 years for firing shots that paralyzed a teenager in 2021, leaving him a quadriplegic.

Judge John Oglesby, noting shooter Ivan Ortiz-Ramirez had no prior criminal history, said Tuesday he didn’t believe the life term was justified. He then handed down the 12-year term.

Prosecutor William Mord earlier told the court Ortiz-Ramirez had effectively given the victim a life sentence — one confined to a bed, relying on others to keep him alive.

The shooting, sparked by a prior altercation, happened in May 2021 at South Chester Avenue and Sandra Drive.

Ortiz-Ramirez fired at a vehicle traveling on South Chester Avenue. He missed his intended target and hit the then-17-year-old passenger in the neck.

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