Two Life Terms For Leyba

Judge Says Mental Illness Doesn't Explain Double-Murders

By Corey Pein

Marino Leyba, Jr--the young murderer

better known

by his family nickname, Reno--had nothing to say for himself at his July 6 sentencing hearing.

The family of his victims, Sarah and Bennie Lovato, Sr, all asked for the maximum sentence, saying nothing can bring back the dead. ---

"At least he can repent," Eddie Lovato, Bennie's brother, said of Leyba, who was

convicted

in April. 

Defense attorney Gary Mitchell chastised prosecutors for making light of Lebya's mental illness, and asked that his life sentences run concurrently, a request that was denied. (Because this is a felony murder case, however, Leyba still receives an automatic appeal.)
First Judicial District Judge Michael Vigil said he still didn't understand how the horrific crime came to happen. 
"I wish I knew what you were thinking, Reno," he said, after sentencing the young man to two consecutive life prison terms.

Santa Fe Reporter

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