Murder case suspect sentenced to 16 years in prison

One of three suspects involved in the murder case of Leondre Richards back in July of 2017 was seen in court Tuesday morning for sentencing.

Juan Pablo Torres was sentenced to 16 years in prison. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

During his sentencing, Torres stood with a smile on his face while signing the documents in court.

Some of Torres’ charges include first-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

The family of Leondre Richards were present and pleaded with the judge in sentencing Torres with the maximum sentence. The judge then asked for a continuation of sentencing to consider the families’ remarks.

The grandmother spoke out in court saying, “You should never have to bury your grandchild.”

ORIGINAL STORY: Three suspects tied to local murder back in court

The murder happened in July of 2017, in the 1600 Block of W. 8th St. where officers located two victims with gunshot wounds.

Richards was pronounced dead at the scene.

His mother was taken to Yuma Regional Medical Center and later flown to Phoenix.