Thomas James Hinchman, Jr., affectionately known as TJ, tragically lost his life on February 17, 2019, in Modesto, California. TJ was only 22 years old at the time of his death. He was born on May 7, 1996, and was a beloved member of his family and community. TJ was known for his kind spirit, genuine heart, and loving smile. He had a passion for cooking and often created meals for his family and friends.
Recently, he had been the primary caretaker for his grandfather, providing consistent love and support during his recovery from surgery.
On the evening of February 17, 2019, TJ and a friend were leaning against a vehicle in a parking lot at Oakdale Road and Sylvan Avenue, smoking a cigarette. The owner of the vehicle, Peter James Warda, took offense and angrily confronted the two men, demanding they get off his car. Although both TJ and his friend complied and apologized, Warda's anger did not subside. He got into his vehicle and began to back out of the parking spot but then stopped, got out of his car, and continued to argue with the two men. The argument escalated into a brief physical altercation. After the fight, Warda pulled out a gun and shot TJ once in the heart, killing him instantly. Neither TJ nor his friend had displayed or used any weapons during the confrontation, and Warda did not suffer any serious injuries.
Following the shooting, Warda fled the scene and was found by police four days later hiding in a garage. He was arrested and charged with murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm, with additional enhancements for using a firearm and committing the crime while out on bail for another offense. The case went to trial, and after a three-week proceeding, a Stanislaus County Superior Court jury convicted Warda of voluntary manslaughter, a lesser offense than murder. The jury also found true the enhancement that Warda had personally used a firearm. In a separate court trial, it was determined that Warda was out on bail at the time of the killing. Warda's sentencing and victim impact statements were scheduled for August 20, 2021, with his total potential prison exposure yet to be determined as he faced charges in two other pending felony cases.
