Two Defendants In Garner Stabbing Case In Court

Two defendants connected to the Christmas Day stabbing in Ammon were back in court Monday.

Derek Perez, 19, charged with principal to an aggravated battery, had a change of plea. In his own words Monday, he told the court he drove the car carrying the seven defendants facing various charges connected to the Christmas morning stabbing death of 20-year-old Buck Garner.

Perez appeared before Judge Dane Watkins Jr. in court Monday to change his plea from not guilty to guilty.

As part of a plea deal, prosecutors will not press any additional charges against Perez.

The single count of principal to an aggravated battery carries a potential sentence of 15 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Also in court was Alex Gonzales, 18, who was expected to be sentenced for his role in harboring Joseph Chavez, who’s charged with second-degree murder in the killing. His attorneys Monday requested more time for Gonzales’ sentencing.

Deputy Prosecutor Daniel Clark said delaying sentencing is a common occurrence.

“Sometimes it’s witness availability, sometimes the state has witnesses they want to present at sentencing. So there’s a number of factors,” he said.

Both Perez and Gonzales are expected to be sentenced at the end of May.