- Esteban Roberto Galvez, 20, received consecutive prison sentences for the murder of Brian Torres-Hernandez on Thursday.
- Sherlyn Perez, Galvez's ex-girlfriend, emphasized the crime's impact on herself, her family and the community.
- Galvez apologized and said he was under the influence of drugs and angry when he shot the man.
WEST JORDAN — The image of her cousin being shot and killed haunts Sherlyn Perez every day. She cannot step out of her home without being triggered.
"The driveway, something that once meant family and safety, is now a source of fear and trauma," she said Thursday.
Her cousin, 21-year-old Brian Torres-Hernandez, was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend while he was walking with her toward her home. She said he was like a brother to her rather than a cousin.
"He was kind, generous and full of life. He didn't deserve to die, especially in the way he did. Shot multiple times in broad daylight, in the driveway, left hopeless with no chance to defend himself," she said.
Perez spoke at the sentencing for Esteban Roberto Galvez, 20, of Magna, who prosecutors said fired 13 shots at the man. She said his death has had a ripple effect on her family and community, and has impacted her own mental health and sense of safety.
"This wasn't an accident. It was a moment of passion. It was an execution. Premeditated, cruel and heartless," she said.
Galvez was sentenced Thursday to a term of 15 years to life in prison for murder and five years to life in prison for felony discharge of a firearm, first-degree felonies, in addition to a term of zero to five years for aggravated assault, a third-degree felony.
He pleaded guilty to the charges under a plea deal that dismissed five additional charges for felony discharge of a firearm, a first-degree felony.
Third District Judge Randall Skanchy ordered the sentences to run consecutively, and consecutive to two additional zero-to-five-year sentences he issued in separate cases for stalking and violation of a pretrial protective order, third-degree felonies.
In her arguments that the sentences should be run consecutively, Perez said, "He chose to destroy a life, and shattered many others in the process. He should never again have the opportunity to harm another soul."
Deputy Salt Lake County attorney Melanie Serassio said consecutive sentences were warranted because Perez is also a victim and has been continually victimized by Galvez over several years.
"I'm asking you to give Sheryln and her daughter the peace that they deserve," she said.
She spoke about texts from Galvez to Perez where he called her names, threatened to kill her more than once, and "treat(ed) her like a piece of property," even after they had broken up.
Serassio showed video of the shooting, saying his actions were "cold and calculated." She said Galvez still seems not to care, citing recent statements and his attitude at hearings. After the shooting, she said he left and it took eight days for police to find him.
She said she thinks Perez is lucky to be alive, and could have been killed, too, if Galvez had not unloaded all of his bullets at Torres-Hernandez. She said he will continue doing what he wants if he is released.
Galvez, wearing a yellow jumpsuit, apologized to the family of Torres-Hernandez in brief remarks during his sentencing, admitted he was wrong and said he was under the influence of drugs.
"I know what I did; I was mad at the time," he said.
His attorney, Sarah Kuhn, recommended the sentences run concurrently, saying he was under the influence and "made a really bad mistake."
She said he will have an immigration hold, if he does not already, and would not be released in the United States. She asked the judge to give him an opportunity to live a good life as an adult in another country.
