In a shocking turn of events, a Modesto man named Mario Esparza has been found guilty of murdering DoorDash driver Andrew Satavu during a delivery gone terribly wrong. On the evening of April 18, 2022, 56-year-old Satavu was shot nine times while sitting in his car after completing a delivery on Gardenia Road. Despite being described by neighbors as a friendly and approachable man, Satavu tragically lost his life in a brutal act of violence.
As law enforcement pieced together the details, they identified Esparza as the shooter. In a plot twist worthy of a crime thriller, he attempted to flee to Mexico but was apprehended before crossing the border. Notably, he confessed to the crime and even revealed the location of the murder weapon. Now, Esparza faces life in prison following his conviction for second-degree murder. With sentencing scheduled for January 5, 2026, it’s a sobering reminder that delivering takeout carries risks far beyond the usual driver troubles.
This tragic story highlights the harsh realities faced by delivery drivers today and opens up discussions about safety in the gig economy. Who knew doing someone a favor could turn your evening into a scene straight out of a crime drama?
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Andrew Johnson
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