As the trial progressed, a witness claimed that Diaz initiated the argument. However, the jury was presented with surveillance footage that seemed to suggest otherwise. In the video, Diaz was seen attempting to leave the area, while Alford was depicted pulling out a firearm.
During the sentencing, Diaz’s wife expressed that her husband had an incredible ability to accomplish anything he set his mind to. However, what devastated her the most was that he couldn’t avoid the statistics of gun violence in the black male population.
After several hours of deliberation, Alford was found guilty and a sentence of 38 years in prison was handed down.
During the sentencing, Diaz’s eldest daughter expressed her pain, stating, “I have to come to terms with the fact that my father won’t be there to witness my graduation or walk me down the aisle on my wedding day. This loss affects not only me but also my three sisters.”
During the court hearing, it was revealed that Alford had a previous conviction for domestic violence, which prohibited him from possessing a firearm. Alford’s sentence included a five-year parole period.
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