Jury convicts man of slaying 6-year-old

SANTA ROSA, N.M. (KRQE) - On Friday, a jury found a man guilty of shooting and killing a 6-year-old girl as she slept in her bed.

The girl's family said that they're upset the murder charge was lowered to second degree murder, meaning a shorter sentence.

David Chavez, 21, faced first degree murder charges, but he was acquitted of those. When that happened, his family and friends applauded and cheered.

However, the jury found Chavez guilty of second degree murder. Chavez's family cried and the defendant appeared to be visibly upset, after the verdict was read.

It took the jury less than three hours to make their decision.

Chavez was on trial for killing Jasmine Garcia, 6, while she slept in her Las Vegas home in June 2008.

Jasmine's grandfather Bobby Sanchez said he's happy Chavez was found guilty, but wishes he had been convicted on more serious charges.

"To me, it's not enough, but it's something for our family at least. Maybe little Jasmine can rest in peace now," he said.

Chavez's sentencing has not been scheduled yet. He faces up to 15 years in prison for the second degree murder charge.

The trial was moved from Las Vegas to Santa Rosa because of pretrial publicity.