Family member of murder victim attacks suspect in Arizona court
PHOENIX (NBC, KYMA) - A Phoenix sentencing hearing turned into a melee after the father-in-law of the victim attacked the man convicted of murder.
"David had a very big heart," said Gisela Ontiveros, victim's sister-in-law.
Loved ones of U.S. Army Capt. David Navidad-Parra took the podium Wednesday morning, sharing their pain during the sentencing of Abel Uribe, who was convicted of killing Capt. Navidad-Parra back in 2022.
Police said Navidad-Parra was helping his father-in-law, Alberto Ontiveros-Sanchez, sell a car when the deal turned into a robbery.
Uribe took the car for a test drive with Navidad-Parra inside, and then drove off. Navidad-Parra was later found shot and killed.
Nearly four years later, Ontiveros-Sanchez stood before the judge, asking for the maximum sentence.
"I am asking for the gentleman who did this for him to be in jail for life. Not doing so would be to not do justice," Ontiveros-Sanchez expressed.
Seconds after the plea, Ontiveros-Sanchez was seen attacking Uribe. He was taken into custody.
Then, hours later, he appeared before a different judge, where his attorney explained what led to the outburst.
"At the podium, he was very emotional, came back and saw that the defendant, who was there, to be sentenced was was laughing, snickering, and he lost it," Ontiveros-Sanchez's attorney shared.
"I personally can't imagine the emotions that you must have been feeling today, but we cannot tolerate that kind of conduct in court," the judge responded.
The judge released Ontiveros-Sanchez, but with conditions including no contact with victims or witnesses, no weapons, and no leaving the state without approval.
Back at the sentencing hearing for his son-in-law's killer, the hearing resumed, and loved ones returned to the podium, sharing more about the man they lost.
"Nothing can bring David back. But I respectfully ask to impose a sentence that reflects the seriousness of this murder," said one of the victim's family members.
Ontiveros-Sanchez is now facing multiple charges while Uribe was sentenced to life in prison, plus 23.5 years.
