Andy Gutierrez-Rebollo has been sentenced following the fatal shooting incident that occurred in Berkeley on October 8, 2022. Gutierrez-Rebollo, 27, of Oakland, pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter in connection with the death of 29-year-old religious student Isamaeli “Eli” Mata’afa.

Co-Defendant Plea and Sentencing Context

The co-defendant, Michael Monrroy-Ramos, 26, of Union City, entered a plea of no contest to assault with a deadly weapon. The finalization of both men's sentences occurred after the court heard statements from the victim's family during a hearing on February 5.

Family Impact and Judicial Response

Tapu Mata’afa, the victim's sister, spoke in court about the profound impact of the loss. She stated that the family has not been the same since Eli was taken at a young age, describing him as wise and smart with his whole life ahead of him.

Mata’afa further shared that their father has “completely shut down” since the homicide, and their mother visits her son’s gravesite weekly. The presiding judge acknowledged the immense pain, stating, “I think any of us can stand in the shoes of your family and the tremendous loss.”

Gutierrez-Rebollo’s attorney indicated plans to submit a written note of apology to the family, which must first be reviewed by the Alameda County District Attorney’s office.

Details of the October 2022 Confrontation

The shooting transpired after an argument on the 2300 block of Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley. Prosecutors detailed that Eli Mata’afa and three of his cousins, all in their 20s, were leaving a local bar after playing pool.

The cousins reportedly bumped into Gutierrez-Rebollo and Monrroy-Ramos. Monrroy-Ramos later told police he believed the initial encounter involved a racist element, leading to a confrontation that escalated from brief fisticuffs.

The Shooting and Victim Injuries

As the cousins began to leave the scene, both defendants allegedly fired shots, striking all four victims at least once. Mata’afa died from a gunshot wound to his back; prosecutors conceded they could not definitively determine which defendant fired the fatal shot.

Testimony from the preliminary hearing revealed the severity of the other injuries. One cousin required a month-long hospital stay for two gunshot wounds, another was hit in the arm, and the fourth sustained a wound to his testicles.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

Legal proceedings continue for other individuals connected to the incident. Jessyca Monrroy, sister to Michael Monrroy-Ramos, still faces illegal gun possession charges stemming from a raid on her Union City residence and is scheduled for a court appearance on April 2.

A fourth original defendant, Marianna Jesusetta Romero, who was charged as an accessory, had her case dismissed in 2024. A judge sided with a defense motion that characterized the prosecution's theory against Romero as “wild speculation,” according to court records.