Oakland Man Receives 21-Year Sentence for Manslaughter

Robert Leigh Moore, 35, of Oakland, was sentenced to 21 years in prison after pleading no contest to voluntary manslaughter in the death of Aristeo Zambrano. Moore was transferred to North Kern State Prison on March 19, according to court records.

Details of the Shooting

The incident occurred at Bay City Alternators, an auto shop on International Boulevard owned by the victim, 68-year-old Aristeo Zambrano. Zambrano was found dead behind his counter by a customer. Moore was initially charged with murder, but the charge was reduced as part of a plea agreement.

Witness Testimony

A witness at Moore’s 2025 preliminary hearing testified that he overheard the shooter yell, “you sold me a bad battery” during an argument outside the shop. The witness, a family friend of the Zambranos and waiting at a nearby taco truck, described the shooter as “the gentleman” and reported hearing two gunshots after the men went inside.

The witness further testified that the shooter quickly fled the scene, leaving the hood of his car open and tires screeching. “He ran to his car. He got in his car. And seemed weird to me. Because he backed out real quick and he left,” the witness stated.

Investigation and Legal Arguments

Police declared Zambrano dead at the scene. Moore’s lawyer initially argued the police search of the store was inadequate and suggested a possible self-defense claim. However, the prosecution presented surveillance footage showing Zambrano was unarmed when he was shot.

Firearm Discovery

Brentwood Police Officer Kathryn Reymundo, a former Oakland police investigator, testified that a firearm was discovered three days after the initial search, located near where Zambrano was shot. She acknowledged the initial search may have been incomplete. Reymundo stated she could not recall if Zambrano’s family had mentioned him keeping a gun for self-defense.

Sentencing and Credit for Time Served

Judge Amy Sekany upheld the charges after reviewing video footage allegedly depicting Moore outside the store on two occasions. Moore received credit for 615 days already served in jail while awaiting trial.

Aristeo Zambrano was a former advocate for the United Farm Workers.