Peninsula Man Died Over $10, Killer Headed to Prison: Prosecutors

REDWOOD CITY, CA - A Turlock man who moved to Belmont early last year was sentenced Friday to 16 years to life for killing a new friend over $10, San Mateo County prosecutors said.

Timothy Guerra must serve 16 years before he is eligible for parole.

Guerra was found guilty in July of second-degree murder for fatally stabbing 19-year-old Denis Meshchyshyn at a Wendy's restaurant at 698 Ralston Ave. in Belmont at about 7:30 p.m. on April 25, 2015.

Guerra moved to Belmont a month before and became friends with Meshchyshyn through people they both knew, according to prosecutors.

Guerra became angry with Meshchyshyn because he gave him $10 for transportation for the following day and Meshchyshyn didn't follow through, prosecutors said.

Guerra found out that Meshchyshyn was meeting friends in the parking lot behind Wendy's and got a ride to the gathering. He stabbed Meshchyshyn several times in the abdomen and the back.

Meshchyshyn died at Stanford Hospital. Guerra escaped to Turlock and was arrested on April 29.

Guerra's attorney Mara Feiger was not immediately available to comment on the sentencing.

- Bay City News Service / Image via Shutterstock