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Sam Penrod Reporting A man who shot and killed his boss after a dispute over unpaid wages was sentenced to prison today, but not before emotional testimony from the guilty man, his wife, and the dead man's widow.
Jesus Hernandez was sentenced to five years to life in prison for shooting his boss. But before the sentence was handed down, he apologized to the victim's wife, telling her he was sorry for killing her husband.
Brenda Crummy, Victim's Widow: "That does mean a lot to me, but it doesn't bring Joe back. But it was nice to hear that he was sorry."
It was in a moment of rage in January of 2004 that Jesus Hernandez opened fire on a contractor at a construction site in Lehi. Joe Crummy was killed in the shooting. Hernadez decided earlier this spring to take a plea bargain and plead guilty.
In court Brenda Crummy told Hernandez she forgives him for what he did, but added she won't forget it. She also met with Jasmine Hernandez, the suspect’s wife, for a few moments, and the two shared their feelings about the tragic shooting.
Jasmine Hernandez, Suspect's Wife: "That I'm sorry, that I hope the best for her and her children. I am thankful for her forgiveness, more than anything. I hope now both of our families can have a little peace."
Hernandez says her husband knows he was wrong to become violent and that his actions over not getting a paycheck have shattered the lives of both families. Hernandez will likely spend at least 20 years in prison, and if he is paroled, he will be deported out of the country.
