Spring Break killer gets 77 years in prison
Adrian Piña Contreras was sentenced to 77 years in prison and order to pay a $10,000 fine for the stabbing death od David Garcia on Friday morning.
Garcia died during spring break in 2004 from blood loss stemming from a stab wound to the neck, according to court documents.
Retired State District Judge Menton Murray awarded 383 days for time served to Contreras.
A deathly silence took over the courtroom as Mayra Garcia, the victim's older sister, took the stand to address Contreras.
"It's been a long time coming," Garcia said. "We feel neutral, neither happy or sad. We still have a lot of pain ... I hope you find peace and repentance while you are in jail."
Pete Gilman, Contreras' attorney, was disappointed with the verdict and said they will file an appeal.
"It's disappointing ... I believe that an innocent man has been sentenced," Gilman said. "Our jury system is set up in a way that they can either choose to believe a witness testimony or not believe a witness."
Safety was maximized as the Garcia family was escorted out of the courthouse while Cameron County Bailiffs and court officials were amassed in the courtroom to deter another outburst similar to the assault that took place Thursday afternoon.
That incident took place after the guilty verdict was read and visitors exited the courtroom, on the first floor of the courthouse, Jennifer Contreras, 27, the defendant's sister rushed and attacked one of the state's leading witnesses.
As bailiffs went on to arrest Jennifer Contreras, Jose Reyna III, the defendant's uncle, went to Contreras' aid and allegedly interfered with the arrest by pushing bailiff's around.
According to a press release by the Cameron County District Attorney's Office, Contreras was charged with retaliation and endangerment of a child, her bond was set at $20,000. Reyna was charged with interfering with public duties, his bond was set at $1,500.
