Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder for Fatal 2022 Shooting at South Natomas Sports Bar

gavelPhoto byKATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

A jury has found Toese Asiata guilty of first-degree murder and assault with a semi-automatic firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of Nicholas Snead at Cheers Bar and Grill in South Natomas on September 13, 2022. Asiata, who was 34 at the time, faces a maximum sentence of 72 years to life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for July 12.

The trial began on May 29, with the jury deliberating for two days before reaching a verdict. According to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, Asiata personally discharged a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun, killing Snead and injuring another victim who required extensive medical care.

The incident occurred after Snead accidentally bumped into Asiata while dancing at the bar. Asiata then pulled out the firearm from his backpack and shot Snead five times. After the shooting, Asiata fled to Hawaii but was arrested in Honolulu the following month and extradited to California for trial.

Sacramento Police officers responded to the scene of the shooting around 12:40 a.m., where Snead was pronounced dead. Cheers Bar and Grill, located in the Park Plaza shopping center, has since closed. In a related incident, police responded to reports of gunfire at a vigil for Snead in October 2022, though no injuries or damage were reported.

The District Attorney’s Office highlighted the extensive investigation that led to Asiata's arrest, involving witness interviews and surveillance footage that identified him as the shooter.

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