A 33-year-old Tehama County man who murdered a young woman outside a strip club for no apparent reason four years ago has been given a life sentence. On the night of December 20th, 2021, Butte County Sheriff’s Deputies, Chico Police and the CHP responded to the Centerfolds Nightclub on Highway 99 near the Tehama County line. 21-year-old Alicia Flores of Corning was in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds. A dancer from the club had attempted CPR but Flores died at the scene. Surveillance showed Flores had arrived with Fernando Palomares of Vina and his girlfriend. They had been in the club drinking and a while later they went out to the parking lot and got into an SUV. Palomares’ girlfriend then ran back inside to call 9-1-1 and get medical help. Surveillance footage showed Palomares fleeing on foot after the shooting. He was found the next day walking along the roadside north of the business. The 9 millimeter ghost gun used in the killing was found in a nearby field and equipment for making the gun was found at Palomares’ house. He was found guilty on all counts last month. He did not testify during the trial and no motive was ever identified. Palomares had a prior strike for a gang-related felony knife assault. Thursday he was sentenced to 9 years plus 75-years-to-life in state prison. Five of Alicia’s family members made impact statements at the hearing, including her mother while holding Alicia’s ashes.
-Steve Gibson