FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A judge on Tuesday sentenced Steve Garcia to three years in prison for the 2024 death of Paul Sanchez in central Fresno.<\/p>\n
“The callousness. The egregiousness. The attempt to cover up what had just occurred,” Deputy District Attorney Matthew Khim said.<\/p>\n
Investigators said Sanchez was riding his bike when Garcia crashed into him and then drove off, never calling police.<\/p>\n
“I will never understand a man your age being so irresponsible, not even stopping to help,” Sanchez’s mother, Liza Barnett, said.<\/p>\n
Sanchez’s family remembered him in court.<\/p>\n
“He was full of life. Never a dull moment. He would always make you laugh when you were down,” Barnett said.<\/p>\n
Garcia eventually turned himself in and then pleaded no contest to hit-and-run last month. At least one person thought Garcia was intoxicated after the crash, but there was not enough evidence.<\/p>\n
“We are deeply sorry for the loss of Mr. Sanchez,” defense attorney David Balakian said. Balakian called the case tragic and said they are sorry for the victim.<\/p>\n
The judge did not hear from Garcia himself. He remained slumped over, looking down, as his attorney spoke.<\/p>\n
“Mr. Garcia left. Judge, respectfully, what he did after that, what does it matter?” Balakian said.<\/p>\n
The comment angered Sanchez’s loved ones, prompting the judge to intervene.<\/p>\n
“Folks in the audience, please refrain from verbal outbursts,” Fresno County Superior Court Judge Houry Sanderson said.<\/p>\n
Judge Sanderson later wished the victim’s family well, saying she hopes they can find “satisfaction” in their memories of Sanchez.<\/p>\n
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