Repeat Offender Sentenced to Life for Attempted Murder of Employee

Published on September 29, 2025

On September 29, 2025, Manuel Bracker, (39, of Fresno), was sentenced to a term of 3 years plus 14 years to life in state prison for the attempted murder of a Lithia Ford employee. The sentence was handed down by Judge Brian Alvarez of the Fresno County Superior Court.

On August 15, 2025, Bracker pled guilty to all counts and enhancements and admitted a prior “strike” conviction. However, he also plead “Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity,” prompting a court trial on his sanity at the time of the offense. On August 22, 2025, the Court found that he was legally sane during the commission of the crime.

The attack occurred on October 26, 2022. While outside a Target store near Bullard and Blackstone Avenues, Bracker spotted the victim across the street at the Lithia Ford dealership. He entered Target, stole a knife, and then walked to the dealership. Once inside, Bracker located the victim in a conference room where he was meeting with coworkers. Without warning, Bracker put one arm around him and stabbed him twice in the back with the stolen knife.

Witnesses and employees chased Bracker from the dealership onto the Highway 41 embankment until law enforcement arrived and took him into custody. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for life-threatening injuries.

Bracker’s prior strike offense stems from a 2020 conviction where he stabbed another victim in the neck at a local grocery store.

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office commends the Fresno Police Department for their swift response and thorough investigation. This case was prosecuted by Deputy

District Attorney Innessa Yenokian of the Felony Trial Team, with support from Senior District Attorney Investigator Jacob Rios of the Bureau of Investigations.

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