Man gets maximum sentence for second-degree murder

Associated Press - September 29, 2007 1:45 PM ET

SANTA FE (AP) - A Honduran man has been sentenced to more than 19 years in prison for the death of an unidentified man whose body was found dumped in a hole in Santa Cruz.

Twenty-7-year-old Ruben Peralta maintained his innocence during yesterday's sentencing hearing before state District Judge Stephen Pfeffer in Santa Fe.

Jurors convicted Peralta in July of second-degree murder, tampering with evidence and intimidation of a witness.

The judge said he respected the jury's decision and sentenced Peralta to the maximum punishment under the law.

Peralta will have to serve at least 85% of the 15 years he received for the second-degree murder conviction and at least half of the remaining years on the other charges.

He will be deported when he's released.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.newschannel10.com/global/story.asp?s=7146019

One more third world murderer/bully off of American streets.