FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A defiant convicted killer showed up to his court sentencing ready to face off on Monday.
“You’re smiling now, Mr. Valdez,” Fresno County Superior Court Judge Houry Sanderson said. “I watched that smile on your face develop as I said those words because you know those are truths.”
Christopher Valdez shot and killed Andrew Valdez in 2019. The 22-year-old victim is unrelated to the shooter, but both had gang ties.
Investigators say what began as a party in East Central Fresno ended with multiple shots.
“The reality that my son Andrew will never return to us again has shattered our hearts forever,” stepfather Alejandro Lopez said.
Christopher pleaded guilty to manslaughter late last year. In exchange, prosecutors dropped the murder charge that could have brought a life sentence at trial and instead agreed to 26 years.
Lopez wanted more.
“As it is written in the Old Testament of the Bible, an eye for an eye,” he said. “My son’s life for your son’s life.”
Those comments appeared to fluster Christopher.
The killer’s sister then took the stand to defend him, urging him never to stop being himself and telling him to remain strong.
“Christopher is still being charged and accused for a crime he didn’t do,” Alicia Valdez said.
Judge Sanderson then set the record straight, saying a witness identified Christopher as the shooter.
Alicia, who was then back in the gallery, shouted out. “She’s a liar,” she said.
Judge Sanderson ordered her to leave the courtroom.
Christopher appeared unmoved through it all, sitting with his head high.o
“He is gone in physical form, but he is with all of you for many, many years to come,” the judge told the victim’s family.
Christopher will soon head to the California Department of Corrections to begin serving his 26-year prison sentence. He already has credit for nearly a third of it.
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