A jury has sentenced Katrina Carvalho (dob 12/27/99) to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years served, after finding her guilty of First Degree Murder with the use of a firearm – a sentencing enhancement under the law.

Carvalho was arrested in December of 2021 in Los Angeles County after fleeing Washoe County when she fatally shot her sister’s boyfriend in February of that year. The case began when officers with the Sparks Police Department were called to an apartment complex on El Rancho Drive on February 14, 2021 for a report of a shooting. When officers arrived on scene, they found 25 year-old Vintell Johnson suffering from three gunshot wounds.

During the investigation, it was discovered that Johnson had been out socializing with the defendant and her sister, who was the victim’s girlfriend. Witnesses testified that Johnson and the girlfriend were arguing in the apartment’s parking lot, and that during the altercation, Katrina Carvalho pulled out a firearm and shot Johnson three times in the back.

During the trial, Deputy District Attorney Nicole Hicks shared video and DNA evidence, linking Carvalho to the shooting, as well as multiple witness testimony of the incident. DDA Hicks also shared jail calls from Carvalho where she alluded to her involvement in the murder.

At sentencing, statements from Johnson’s family were shared, along with Carvalho’s criminal history. The State argued the jury consider sentencing the defendant to either life in prison with parole eligibility after 20 years served, or life in prison without parole. DDA Hicks asked the jury to send a message that this type of violence will not be tolerated in our beloved community. The Honorable Judge Egan Walker presided and will impose the sentence for the Deadly Weapons Enhancement on January 15, 2025.

A recording of the press release for media can be heard below. Mug shots can be found on the WCDA Facebook and Twitter accounts.