A man convicted of a hate-crime murder of a black man was sentenced on Thursday to death.
Desi Marentes, 34, was convicted in the April 2006 shooting death of Eric Buckley, 35, in East Valinda (map). The two-month trial ended with Marentes' conviction on a first-degree murder charge.
Investigators determined that Marentes shot Buckley 10 times as the victim walked to a bus stop. Prosecutors told the court Buckley was targeted because he was black.
Marentes' attorney asked the judge that his client be sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole. The judge denied the request Thursday as Marentes' family and the victim's 82-year-old mother sat in the courtroom.
Refresh this page for updates.
