Manuel Anthony Sierra, 25, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to three felony counts in connection with shootings that took place in west and south Phoenix for six months in 2021-22.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the sentencing in a release, which stated Sierra “drove to 11 residences and shot indiscriminately at homes and cars, putting families in grave danger.”

The attacks targeted the homes and vehicles of an ex-girlfriend and her extended family, according to the release.

During 10 of the 11 shootings, “multiple family members were present when bullets hit a front door, living room and bedroom windows and a bathroom, and Sierra also set fire to the vehicle of his ex-girlfriend’s father, the release stated.

No one was killed or injured in any of the incidents.

But the MCAO stated the family suffered – and continues to suffer – anxiety, stress and hardship as a result of the Sierra’s actions. 

“Home should be a safe place. No one should have to live with the fear of being shot in their own house,” Mitchell said.

“I am proud of the extensive work by law enforcement and MCAO prosecutors to hold this individual accountable and, most importantly, for bringing peace to these families who had been living in fear.”

The release continued: “Detectives were able to connect Sierra to the incidents by tracking his phone’s location and using video surveillance. Bullet casings found at the scenes also matched those of two 9mm handguns found at the defendant’s home and inside the vehicles used to commit these crimes. The defendant also researched his ex-girlfriend’s family extensively on his phone and sent anonymous threats via a text app.”

In addition to his sentence, 32 victims received lifetime injunctions, meaning Sierra cannot have any contact with them for the rest of his life. Sierra must also pay full restitution.

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