Julian Maurice Brooks has been sentenced to 79 years to life in prison following his conviction for first-degree murder and firearm possession by a felon, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office announced.
The sentence, handed down by Judge James Arguelles on June 20, follows a jury’s finding that Brooks fatally shot 43-year-old Mark Moton on June 1, 2023, amid a personal dispute. The two men had previously been coworkers and friends.
Related posts
According to prosecutors, Brooks forced his way into Moton’s apartment at gunpoint. During the confrontation, Moton attempted to defend himself by retrieving a handgun, but Brooks shot him twice before Moton’s family members intervened and pushed Brooks out of the residence. He was arrested shortly afterward at the apartment complex.
Brooks also admitted to a prior strike conviction for robbery, which enhanced his sentence. The jury further found that Brooks’ use of a firearm directly resulted in the victim’s death—an aggravating factor that significantly increased the prison term.
Though Brooks’ defense claimed he acted in self-defense, the court rejected that argument based on witness testimonies and physical evidence. The case highlights the tragic consequences of armed disputes and the lasting toll they take on families and communities.
