Source: Lubbock Co. SheriffLUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) – Life in prison is the penalty for the Lubbock man who admits he stabbed his girlfriend to death in late 2006.
Prosecutors were ready for a full jury trial but instead 65-year-old Jesse Juan Herrera pleaded guilty to the murder of Rufugio Avalos Montez. "I think we were a little bit surprised by it. In the long run, it's a good thing. It's a lot harder on the family to have a full blown trial," said Criminal District Attorney Matt Powell.
Herrera showed no emotion as family members addressed him in court Tuesday during a process that's called "victim impact statements." Comments ranged from harsh to forgiving.
One man told Herrera, "You got what you deserve. I hope you rot in hell." Montez' daughters were more forgiving, with one saying, "I'm nobody to judge you. God is my strength and may God have mercy on your soul".
©2010 KCBD NewsChannel 11. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
All content ©Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and KCBD, a Raycom Media Station. 