After lunching on pizza provided by the court, jurors in the murder trial of Marino Leyba, Jr, returned today with their verdict:* Guilty of the first-degree murder of Sarah Lovato* Guilty of the first-degree murer of Bennie Ray Lovato, Sr* Guilty of aggravated burglary* Guilty of tampering with evidenceLeyba's sentencing, set for some time after July 4, will be little more than a formality: The murder convictions automatically result in two life terms of imprisonment. However, because this is a capital case, the verdict is automatically appealed to the New Mexico Supreme Court, according to defense attorney Gary Mitchell.The jurors' verdict, Mitchell tells SFR, is "classic New Mexico...We haven't caught up with the science [of mental health]."Linda Lovato, Sarah's mother and Bennie's ex-wife, told reporters that she felt justice was served."I'm glad it's over, and I think the family has closure now," Santa Fe Police Detective Tony Trujillo, who investigated the murders, told SFR.For background on the case, read this SFR cover story, and this follow-up. For previous days’ trial coverage, click here.

The prosecution and defense made their closing arguments today, and the jury began its deliberations. Jurors told District Judge Michael Vigil that they'd convene until 5:30 pm tonight, then reconvene Friday morning, April 30. Jury instructions handed down today made it clear that the defense hoped for a conviction of voluntary manslaughter--rather than first- or second-degree murder--based on Reno Leyba's diminished mental capacity. (The consequences are explained in today's SFR.)

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"Reno" Leyba's cross-examination by Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Hill continued this morning. See a video excerpt of his testimony below.   Reno also testified that he was unsure whether the child in Sarah Lovato's womb was his own. Today's schedule will be filled with testimony from forensic psychologist Eric Westfried, who will speak to Reno's impaired mental ability. This morning, Westfried mentioned that Reno had "minimized" memories of childhood abuse.For background on the case, read this SFR cover story, and this follow-up. For previous days’ trial coverage, click here.

Marino Leyba, Jr, took the stand today and, in his own words, said he feared for his life when he shot and killed his girlfriend and her father last year.

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In her opening arguments, prosecuting attorney Cynthia Hill portrayed Marino “Reno” Leyba, Jr, as an abusive, controlling and violent young man who carefully plotted a double-murder. Placing blame on New Mexico’s inferior mental healthcare system, defense attorney Gary Mitchell portrayed Reno as a “borderline retarded” mama’s boy who believed he was acting in self-defense when he pepper sprayed his pregnant girlfriend and her father, then shot them both dead on May 22, 2009.

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1 Attorney General Gary King says the Governor’s Office is violating the Inspection of Public Records Act by not releasing names of fired employees.

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