TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The man who shot into a car on I-19, killing Marilynn Pacheco, and injured another man and his child will spend 34 years in prison.
His sentencing is divided among three counts:
- Second-Degree Murder
- 20 years in the Department of Corrections (DOC), 991 days credit, flat time
- Domestic Violence
- Seven years in DOC
- Aggravated Assault (x2)
- Seven years in DOC
Back in June 2019, Mateo Zavala fired shots into a car and killed Marilynn Pacheco. Pacheco died of her injuries, but the other two people in the car lived.
RELATED: I-19 Killing - Mother mourns daughter shot to death
Zavala pleaded guilty to the above charges on Monday, January 31. A judge handed down his sentence Thursday, March 17.
It was a packed court room for Zavala's sentencing. Pacheco's mother was there as Zavala learned his sentence and says the time he'll spend in prison won't make up for the time she lost with her daughter.
"It seems like the days that are hardest is when I see more signs from her," said Marilynn Pachecho's mother, Susan Stemper.
During sentencing, the judge addressed Zavala. He'd had a romantic relationship with Pacheco before the shooting. The judge's words struck a chord with Stemper.
"He showed his loved ones one side of him but he showed Marilynn the other side of him and she called him a monster," said Stemper.
After court the family went to Children's Memorial Park where Pacheco's name is engraved on a wall. They want to honor her memory by continuing to raise awareness about domestic violence.
RELATED: Domestic Violence Resources in Southern Arizona
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Denelle Veselik is an anchor and investigative reporter for KGUN 9. It's been her dream to tell your stories for the past decade. She is extremely curious and wants to continue to use her storytelling for the greater good. Share your story ideas and important issues with Denelle by emailing denelle.veselik@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter.
