- Jose Hernandez-Liborio was sentenced to seven years to life for the killing of Marcus Garcia.
- Garcia's family expressed grief and loss during the sentencing hearing Tuesday.
SALT LAKE CITY — Several family members of Marcus Garcia spoke on Tuesday about how he was an amazing brother, son and uncle before he was killed two years ago.
Garcia's mother told Jose Hernandez-Liborio, the man being sentenced for his killing, that he killed a part of her that day, too. She said she misses hugs from her son, according to a statement from the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office.
His daughter said his death will have an impact on her life forever. His sister said he was protective of her. His brother said Garcia inspired him to get a CDL and they had plans to start a trucking business.
Hernandez-Liborio, 20, was sentenced to five years to life in prison for felony discharge of a firearm with serious injury, a first-degree felony, and two to 15 years in prison for manslaughter, a second-degree felony with a weapons enhancement.
Police responded to a shooting on Aug. 9, 2023, on 4200 S. Bluebird Circle and found Garcia on the ground with a fatal gunshot wound. Hernandez-Liborio went to the house where Garcia was to collect a debt; he arrived with three others wearing bandanas, looking for Garcia's stepson, according to charges.
It said a woman said she was going to call 911, and the group left, but Garcia followed the group in his truck to get their license plate number. When Garcia left his truck to get the license plate number, Hernandez-Liborio got out and fired his gun.
Someone in the car with Hernandez-Liborio reported that Garcia threw something at them, and it scared him.
Hernandez-Liborio was charged as an adult with murder, a first-degree felony, but pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter, a second-degree felony with a weapon enhancement, as part of a plea deal. He also pleaded guilty to felony discharge of a firearm, a first-degree felony.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said they appreciated the prosecutors, staff and police for their thorough investigation and work on the case.
"Our hearts go out to the family of Marcus Garcia, and the immense impact his death has clearly had on their lives. We hope that this sentence helps them feel that they have received some level of justice and accountability for the death of their beloved brother, father, and son. If this were perfect justice, Marcus would still be here to give them the hugs they miss so much," he said.
