October 29, 2004

Contact: Lynn Kimbrough, 720-913-9025

HERRERA AND SANDOVAL SENTENCED

A father and son were both sentenced today for their roles in the August 2003 robbery and murder of four people and the attempted murder of two others.  Rose Amador, Sally Mendoza, Bob Pacheco and Blanca Dueñas-Balbuena were shot and killed.  Douglas Kubo and Carlos Balbuena were wounded. 

52-year-old Edward Herrera, who pleaded guilty earlier to four counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder, was sentenced to four consecutive life terms plus 48 years.

25-year-old Michael Sandoval, Herrera's son, pleaded guilty earlier to one count of aggravated robbery and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, which was stipulated in the plea agreement.  Both men were also ordered to pay $24,500 in restitution.

The courtroom was packed with about 100 family members of the victims.  A number of family members addressed the court, describing in agonizing detail how the brutal murders and attempted murders had affected their lives.  Surviving victim Douglas Kubo, who remains paralyzed and appeared in court in a wheelchair, was one of those to make a statement.    A short video was also shown to the judge to share the lives of the victims through family photos.

Neither Herrera nor Sandoval spoke.  They were led from the courtroom in handcuffs and chains.

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