Skip to main content

Jury Convicts Salinas Valley State Prisoner of First-Degree Murder and Assault by a Life Prisoner


SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on June 27 that
on June 26, 2025 45-year-old Lawrence Adams was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder, assault by a
life prisoner, and custodial possession of a weapon. The Honorable Judge Stephanie E. Hulsey presided
over the four-day trial.
On October 5, 2022, Adams stabbed fellow inmate Robert Tunstall more than 15 times in the yard at
Salinas Valley State Prison using an inmate-manufactured weapon. Mr. Tunstall died within minutes of
the attack.
The jury also found true allegations that Adams has prior convictions for carjacking in Yolo County in
2000, assault with a deadly weapon in Yolo County in 2000, criminal threats in San Joaquin County in
2001, and arson in Tuolumne County in 2007, all of which qualify as “strike” offenses within the
meaning of California’s Three Strikes Law.
Adams faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
This case was investigated by the Investigative Services Unit of Salinas Valley State Prison and District
Attorney Investigator Peter Austen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

King City Man Arrested on January 6 for Rape, Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor and Kidnapping

  According to King City Police Department, on December 30, 2024 a 17-year-old minor female victim reported that she had attended a party on the 100 Block of Bedford Circle on December 24, 2024. During the party, the suspect provided her with alcohol. He then pulled the victim into a bedroom, forcibly removed her clothing and had sexual intercourse with her against her will. This case was investigated by the King City Police Department Investigations Unit which resulted in the apprehension and arrest on January 6, 2025 of the suspect identified as 21-year-old Jesus Oseguera Briseno of King City. Briseno was also booked into the Monterey County Jail charged with Rape, Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor and Kidnapping. Anyone with further information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the King City Police Department at (844) 844-3382; Sergeant Josh Partida (831) 385-4848 or jpartida@kingcity.com; or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME. Your call may remain completely ano...
Post a Comment
Read more

Attempted Homicide Shooting Incident in King City on September 29

  The King City Police Department received a report of gunshots heard in the area of the 600 block of Sycamore Street at around 1 am on Sunday, September 29. While enroute, the King City PD was advised that 2 victims were transported to Mee Memorial Hospital by private vehicle to be treated for gunshot wounds.   Upon arrival, officers were told that a single unknown suspect opened the gate to a fenced yard and fired 10 rounds into a crowd attending a party. 2 individuals were struck by the gunfire, after-which the suspect fled on foot.  The suspect was described as wearing a dark colored hoodie and pants. The 2 victims are a 16-year-old juvenile male who was shot 3 times and an 18-year-old male who was shot 1 time.  Both victims were transported to Natividad Hospital from Mee Memorial and are currently listed in stable condition. Detectives from the King City Police Department are currently working the investigation with assistance from the Greenfield Police Dep...
Post a Comment
Read more

3 Vehicle Wreck on Highway 101 Outside of King City on December 26

  A 3 vehicle accident happened on Highway 101 Northbound near the Central Avenue exit outside of King City at 12:07 pm on Thursday afternoon, December 26. One of the vehicles overturned as a result of the crash. Minor injuries were reported from the collision. 
Post a Comment
Read more