Modesto man, who shot victim 7 times, sentenced to state prison after plea agreement

A Modesto man who shot a victim multiple times in a murder three years ago was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison.

Norvon Howard, 27, accepted a plea agreement Aug. 2 in Stanislaus Superior Court.

The shooting occurred around 2 a.m. Aug. 28, 2021, when a fight erupted outside a hookah lounge on Sixth Street. Two groups were involved in the fight in a business parking lot.

Howard shot 37-year-old Luis Flores of Fresno seven times. Flores died from the gunshot wounds after being taken to an area hospital.

After the shooting, Howard fled the scene and traveled to Stockton. Authorities said he discarded the firearm and destroyed other evidence.

Modesto police detectives investigated the homicide. Howard was arrested Sept. 3, 2021.