Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Killing Young Couple in Wichita Parking Garage

Zachary Ramirez convicted of first-degree felony murder in 2023 shooting deaths of Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and Bryan Lara-Hernandez

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A Wichita man has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison for the 2023 shooting deaths of a young couple in an Old Town parking garage. Zachary Ramirez, 22, was convicted of first-degree felony murder for killing 20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez after a confrontation in the parking garage.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in Wichita's entertainment district, as well as the complex legal issues around self-defense claims in homicide cases.

The details

According to court records, Ramirez was listening to music with friends in the parking garage when his car battery died. He called Lerma-Dominguez and Lara-Hernandez for help, but an argument broke out between Ramirez and Lara-Hernandez. Lara-Hernandez then pulled a gun and pointed it at Ramirez and his friends. As Lerma-Dominguez and Lara-Hernandez were leaving, Ramirez opened fire, striking Lara-Hernandez eight times and Lerma-Dominguez three times.

  • The incident occurred on July 27, 2023 in the early morning hours.
  • Ramirez was convicted by a jury in 2024.
  • Ramirez was sentenced on February 18, 2026.

The players

Zachary Ramirez

A 22-year-old Wichita man who was convicted of first-degree felony murder for the 2023 shooting deaths of Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and Bryan Lara-Hernandez.

Josephina Lerma-Dominguez

A 20-year-old woman who was killed in the 2023 shooting in the Old Town parking garage.

Bryan Lara-Hernandez

A 21-year-old man who was killed in the 2023 shooting in the Old Town parking garage.

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What’s next

Ramirez will serve a minimum of 50 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing public safety, gun violence, and self-defense claims in Wichita's entertainment district, as well as the need for continued efforts to address root causes of violence in the community.