A California woman has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the tragic shooting of a 19-year-old college student in 2021.
Jessica Yesenia Quintanilla, 24, was found guilty of first-degree murder in November 2024 for killing Leilani Marie Beauchamp inside a home in Fairfield, California.
Before the sentencing on January 17, Leilani’s grandmother, Lourdes Giovannini, shared the immense pain her family has endured. “Her siblings will never get to know what life could have been like with their big sister. We are grieving deeply,” she said. Leilani was Giovannini’s first grandchild, and she recalled being there for her first breath. “The loss is unspeakable.”
Jessica’s attorney, William Welch, said his client is heartbroken over the outcome and hopes an appeal will give her another chance at justice.
The heartbreaking events began after Leilani left a Halloween party in Sacramento during the early morning hours of October 30, 2021. She had been with two airmen, including Juan Parra-Peralta, from Travis Air Force Base.
Prosecutors claimed that Leilani was lying in bed with Parra-Peralta at his Fairfield home when Jessica—his ex-girlfriend—arrived, furious to see them together. Despite previously telling him to stay away from Leilani, Jessica confronted the pair. Moments later, Leilani was fatally shot.
Jessica, however, told a different story. She claimed she only stopped by to collect her belongings after ending her relationship with Parra-Peralta the night before. According to her, a struggle broke out when Parra-Peralta pulled out a gun to stop her from leaving. In the chaos, she said, the gun accidentally went off, killing Leilani.
The prosecution presented a different narrative during the trial. They alleged Jessica not only shot Leilani but also forced Parra-Peralta to help cover it up. Testimony revealed she threatened him with the gun and made him drive to Salinas, where they left Leilani’s body wrapped in a blanket on a hillside. Her remains were discovered the next day, October 31, 2021.
In exchange for his testimony, Parra-Peralta was granted immunity.
Leilani’s death shattered her family, who described her as a bright and loving young woman. Her loss has left an irreplaceable void. Meanwhile, Jessica’s defense team remains determined to fight for her in the appellate courts.
