Fresno man gets 25 years to life in prison for killing his lover
Witnesses testified the two had a sexual relationship where Garcia would pay Chavez for sex.
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Fresno man was sentenced to prison for the brutal beating death of his lover. In court on Thursday, family members cried as they remembered Martin Zepeda Garcia, who was murdered in 2010.
Garcia's family said he was a loving father and husband who worked hard to provide money for his family back in Mexico. They watched as his killer got sentenced to the maximum penalty for the murder, 25 years to life in prison.
Judge Kent Hamlin could barely contain his tears as he told Martin Zepeda Garcia's family they were brave to speak up in court.
Hon. Kent Hamlin, "You honor him by your presence today."
Alfredo Chavez was sentenced for the murder. He watched as Garcia's family members and friends spent the morning overcome with grief. They pleaded with the judge for Chavez to get the maximum sentence for killing their loved one.
Garcia's brother, Jose DeJesus Zepeda Garcia said, "We would like people like them not to wander in society, saddening other families' lives like ours."
Chavez, along with his friend Brian Munoz, were convicted of beating Martin to death with several dumbbells and weights and then taking off with his belongings. Witnesses testified the two had a sexual relationship where Garcia would pay Chavez for sex. Prosecutors say the crime was one of the worst they'd seen.
Prosecutor Gabriel Brickey said, "The injuries, the extent of the damage. There were over 30 lacerations to the victim's -- just his head and his face."
Garcia's family members say he was a loving father and husband who worked several jobs to provide for his wife and three children back in Mexico. They say he always helped those in need and had a big heart.
Lillian Baltista, Garcia's sister-in-law, said "In my heart I will meet up with Martin in heaven someday."
Garcia's family says they fear Chavez will one day get released after he's served his 25 years. They said they will continue to fight for him to stay in prison for the rest of his life.
