DATE: April 7, 2025

CASE: Ezel Tinsley (Case #23FE018996)

PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney Scott Schweibish, Homicide Unit

On April 4, 2025, the Honorable Steve White sentenced Ezel Tinsley to 25 years to life in prison.  On November 13, 2024, a jury convicted Tinsley of first-degree murder.

Tinsley and the victim, Terry Washington, were both living at a sober-living house.  The victim had graduated from the residential program and was acting as one of the program facilitators.  On January 28, 2023, Tinsley had consumed alcohol and appeared to be under the influence when he returned to the home.  When the victim confronted Tinsley about his drinking, the two got into a verbal altercation.  A resident who came to the scene to intervene found Tinsley standing over the victim, who was already unconscious on the floor. Tinsley proceeded to continue punching and kicking the victim.  Police arrived soon after and located Tinsley and the victim, who was still unconscious on the floor.  The victim was admitted into the hospital, where he remained in a coma for approximately nine months before succumbing to his injuries.