Chavez sentenced to 30 years for Christmas Day killing

Joseph Chavez has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in the Christmas day stabbing death of Buck Garner. Chavez appeared before 7th District Judge Dane Watkins, Jr. Tuesday morning. In a plea agreement, the 20 year old Chavez pleaded guilty to second degree murder in August after originally pleading not guilty last February.

Prosecutors, for the first time, displayed the weapon used in the attack, saying the size of the knife made it clear the stabbing was wilful. The judge agreed and said it was clearly not brought to the scene for purposes of protection.

Ten years of the sentence is fixed and 20 years indeterminate, making Chavez eligible for parole in ten years.

Chavez’ mother appeared at the sentencing hearing as a character witness for her son. She told the court she would move to wherever he is transferred to provide him a support system while in prison.

Reporter Caleb James was in court this morning and will have full details and an interview with Chavez’ mother tonight.