Monday, a FresnoCounty judge handed down sentences for the shooting deaths of Justin Hesketh and Brandon Moore.
The maximum penalty was given to the eldest brother, 19-year-old Jarrad, who was sentenced to 34 years. His younger brother, 16-year-old Jerry, received 10 years.
The brothers were convicted last month of voluntary manslaughter. There were found not guilty of first or second degree murder.
On Thursday, December 20th, it will have been one year since Hesketh and Moore were killed. The pain is still fresh for their families. Speaking in court Monday, Hesketh's sister asks that the suspects get the maximum sentence.
“They chose to shoot my brother's truck, to take aim, to pull the trigger, and they chose to kill my baby brother,” said Shana Hesketh.
The fight between the two groups started with mean looks. Jarrad then fired at the truck. Hesketh and Moore, both on meth but unarmed, chased down the Beards. They were shot to death in a Northwest Fresno apartment complex.
“My son wasn't perfect, but he was a good, good boy. I loved him. People have said, ‘I can only imagine what you're going through.’ Your honor, you can't unless you've lost a child,” said Ken Moore, Brandon’s father.
After hearing from family, the judge sentenced Jarrad to 34 years. Jarrad bought the guns, fired the first round and the rounds that ultimately killed Hesketh and Moore. Jerry was sentenced to ten years.
“I'm stunned by the sentence. I thought the jury did the right thing and I'm sorry the judge imposed the aggravated term,” said Phillip Cherney, Jarrad’s defense attorney.
Cherney is filing an appeal.