Families war as child killer sentenced

LAS VEGAS, N.M. (KRQE) - Bad blood boiled over in a Las Vegas courtroom Monday as two families couldn't control their emotions during the sentencing for the man who shot and killed 6-year-old Jasmine Garcia.

David Levi Chavez shot into the Sanchez home in June of 2008 with a bullet intended for Jeffrey Sanchez. Instead the slug struck Sanchez's niece as she slept in her bed.

A trial in November ended with Chavez convicted of second-degree murder.

The tension began building when Jasmine's mother addressed District Judge Abigail Aragón during the sentencing hearing.

“I’m lost. I really am." Ruby Sanchez said.

Then Jasmine's aunt read a letter written from Jasmine's point of view listing the things her family will miss out on.

“Watch me receive high school or college diplomas," the aunt read. "They will not get to dance at my wedding.”

After Aragón sentenced Chavez to 15 years in prison, the maximum under the law, members of Chavez's family began screaming in protest.

“I object,” one family member shouted. Then another yelled obscenities as Aragón adjourned the sentencing hearing.

As the Chavez family got rowdier, police pushed them out of the courtroom as more obscenities flew.

Then Chavez's mother talked directly to her son's intended target.

“It's because of you, Jeffery," she yelled.

That sent Jeffery Sanchez over the edge and charging at the Chavez family. But police grabbed him and slammed him against the wall leaving a hole where he hit. As Sanchez let loose with his own obscenities, police snapped his handcuffs closed.

After the commotion in the courtroom, Jasmine's grandfather, Bobby Sanchez, talked about the bad blood between the families.

“Get it through their head that they found him guilty,” Sanchez said. “We are never going to see her again. At least they have him.

“What more do they want from us? What do they need? They need another killing?”

Sanchez told KRQE News 13 he doesn't think this is the end of it.

And while the Sanchez family members said they are happy Chavez got the maximum sentence, they will never believe that 15 years is enough.

The family already was upset over the outcome of the trial believing Chavez should have been convicted of first-degree murder, which carries a life sentence.

Police released Jeffery Sanchez but cited him for the hole in the wall. Officers said they will be keeping a close eye on both families' homes.