Luera sentenced in Holbrook triple murder

Severo Luera, 39, appeared before 6th District Judge Robert Naftz in Malad Friday for sentencing in connection with his part in a 2013 triple homicide.

Luera will spend 16 years in prison, 8 years fixed, for his part in the shooting deaths of 62-year-old Brent Christensen, his 32-year-old son Trent Christensen and Trent’s 27-year-old fiance Yavette Carter.

All three victims were found dead on April 5, 2013, inside the residence they shared in the small town of Holbrook west of Malad.

The two small daughters of Trent and Yavette, ages 2 years old and 2 months old, were found at the scene of the murder after being left alone with the victims for more than 18 hours.

Luera sobbed in court as the victims tearfully told of how the loss of their family members has devastated them.

In a statement to the court and to the victims Luera apologized saying he would “give his own soul to get the three victims back”.

Judge Robert Naftz sentenced Luera to what the was agreed to by the Attorney General’s Office in the plea agreement signed in February.

According to court and police records, Luera had confessed to leading five individuals to the home in Holbrook where the murders occurred, as well as knowing which two of the five men pulled the triggers. The killings are believed to be drug related.

So far Luera is the only person that has been charged but officers say the case is still open and more charges are pending.

After the bodies of the three victims were discovered police also found a marijuana growing operation and evidence of a dog fighting ring at the home.