Yuma man sentenced in fatal stabbing outside Circle K

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - A Yuma man has been sentenced in a deadly stabbing outside a Circle K.

27-year-old Angel Witrado was sentenced Friday to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

Witrado was originally charged with first-degree murder in the death of 37-year-old Justin Arviso.

The victim's family members said in court that Arviso was outside the Circle K near 24th Street and Avenue B when Witrado approached and asked for a ride.

Arviso declined but offered to get Witrado water from inside the store.

Witrado then attacked Arviso, stabbing him between 16 and 18 times.

Arviso later died from his injuries.

During sentencing, Arviso’s mother addressed the court, saying she believes the attack was premeditated and expressed disappointment that the case did not result in a first-degree murder conviction.

She told the court her son was showing kindness in his final moments and said helping others was the kind of person he was.

She added that their family continues to grieve every day.