Madera man convicted of murdering ex-girlfriend

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) — Scott Allen was sentenced to 30 years to life for the murder of Mandy Burriel.

The 44-year-old died at the hands of her ex-boyfriend. In December 2023, he called the police to report that she had fallen.

“It wasn’t a slip and fall; if it was a slip and fall, I could understand one mark on her face, but no bruises and marks all over her body,” said the victim’s niece, Alicia Gonzales.

Four days later, Mandy Burriel died in hospital.

District Attorney Sally Moreno hopes Monday’s sentencing will bring some justice to her family.

“Often they walk out of the courtroom and think to themselves, yes, but I still can’t get my person back. That’s what happens, and the system can do what the system can do. I hope they are able to find some comfort and find a solution to this,” said Madera County District Attorney Sally Moreno.

Mandy is survived by three daughters, the eldest of whom, Audrey Cross, still wishes she could sing with her mother at least one more time.

“My mother and I had a difficult relationship and we were just starting to make amends. I feel like Scott took everything we had left. I just don’t think it was fair of him to decide it was her time was,” she said. Audrey Cross, the victim’s daughter.

As Domestic Violence Awareness Month continues, her family wants their memories of Mandy – and her experiences – to shed light on this type of dangerous dating.

“She defended him so much because she thought that’s what love is, and I think that’s the saddest thing. She died without experiencing real love because he never really loved her,” Gonzales said.

“It’s also important for women to know that help exists, that you can make it on your own, and that there are people who still care,” said the victim’s sister, Karie Van Noy.

“No one should have to go through this, no one should have to sit in a courtroom, no one should have to see those photos, hold their mother’s hand as they say goodbye,” Cross said.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, or know someone who is, help is available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. At all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.

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