Yuma man convicted of murder back in court ahead of sentencing

YUMA,Ariz.(KYMA)-A Yuma man convicted of murder is back in court. Now a judge has to decide how much time he will spend behind bars as the victim’s family shares emotional impact statements.

Emotions were high in the courtroom as family members of 57-year-old Anthony Jordinelli shared what he meant to them and how his murder has changed their lives forever.

“Mr. Harder's deliberate choice in taking Anthony's life has caused a ripple effect that will haunt us forever,” said a daughter-in-law of the victim.

Forty-year-old Nicholas Harder was back in court as attorneys argued over his sentencing, including whether his prison terms should run concurrently or consecutively.

Rachel Allocca Guerrero, deputy county attorney, said, “Each of the 4 aggravated assaults are its own separate acts that can also run consecutively to one another for a total of 5 consecutive sentences.”

The victim’s family is urging for the defendant to serve his sentencing consecutively.

“We respectfully ask the court to consider the lasting pain suffered by Tony’s family and the loved ones as the proceedings come to a conclusion. This family is requesting no concurrent sentences,” said a brother of the victim.

In Arizona, a second-degree murder conviction comes with a sentence of 10 to 25 years in prison. Harder will be sentenced next month.

We will be back in the courtroom for the sentencing and will provide you with updates once the court has made their decision.