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CEDAR CITY -- Dramatic video was released Friday of a courtroom brawl in southern Utah earlier this week.
"Anytime you have a sentencing like that, the emotions are high, the families are there," said Iron County Attorney Scott Garrett.
But Garrett, who was in the Southern Utah courtroom on Tuesday, said he never expected courtroom chaos.
On Tuesday, Tristan Lamoreaux was sentenced for up to 15 years to life in prison for shooting and killing his wife, 19-year-old Misty Lamoreaux, several times in the head on Aug. 23, 2009.
Police went to the couple's apartment in Cedar City, to find Lamoreaux running from the scene. Misty was found dead in their bathroom.
Prosecutors say drugs were involved in the case. They say Lamoreaux has never given any clear reason for the crime.
"The facts of this case suggest that he should be in prison, no doubt," Garret said.
During the emotional sentencing hearing, Misty's brother, Jason Wilson, was testifying before 5th District Judge G. Michael Westfall about the impact the murder had had on his family.
On the video, Wilson can be seen slowly making his way toward Lamoreaux as he becomes more emotional. Lamoreaux, in an orange jail jumpsuit and shackles, is reclined in a chair and rocking, surrounded by court bailiffs and attorneys.
The bailiffs seem to sense that Wilson is getting emotional and start to step toward him.
"At that point, I knew that something was going to happen, and so did the officers," Garret said. That's why you see them start to close down, Garret said.
Wilson then runs behind the attorney's table and tries to take a swing at Lamoreaux, but a deputy tackles Lamoreaux to the ground before Wilson can take a swing at him.
"That's the first time I've seen that in a courtroom," Garrett said.
Wilson was handcuffed and removed from the courtroom before the judge imposed his sentence on Lamoreaux.
Wilson apologized to the court before being escorted out of the hearing.
"He just was saying that he felt bad, he shouldn't have done that," Garret said.
Wilson was cited for misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Prosecutors say they cited him because order needs to be maintained in the courtroom for everyone's safety.
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Story compiled with contributions from Pat Reavy and Sandra Yi.
