On the early afternoon of April 21, 2025, Devaun Means and the victim were at a family gathering when the two became involved in a physical altercation with each other. After the incident, Means told several family members he would “get his get back” on the victim. During the midnight hour, he attempted to murder the victim as he slept in a shed located behind the main residence of a home in Wasco, CA.
Means entered the shed and shot the victim four times, striking him in the abdomen, thigh and arm. During the investigation, law enforcement recovered the firearm used in the shooting from Means’ residence. Additional crime scene analysis further linked Means to the offense.
Last week, in a case prosecuted by Deputy DA Joe L. Alindajao, a Kern County jury found Devaun Means guilty of attempted murder, assault on a person with a firearm, battery with serious bodily injury, second degree burglary, felon in possession of a firearm, and felon in possession of ammunition. The jury also found true that Means committed the attempted murder by intentionally discharging a firearm causing great bodily injury.
DA Zimmer commented; “Conflicts that escalate to the use of a firearm in an attempt to take a life out of ‘revenge’ are completely unacceptable. Such behavior will not be tolerated, as it clearly demonstrates Means’ lack of awareness and the threat he poses to public safety.”
Sentencing is set for June 1, 2026. Devaun Means faces a sentence of up to 32 years to life in prison