May 20, 2008

One day after being found guilty of manslaughter, the punishment phase of the trial of Manuel Garcia got underway today.

Prosecution witnesses took up the first day with Garcia's two ex wives taking the stand, testifying about his violent nature.

Co-workers spoke about his aggressive tendencies while employed out at the Army Depot. Also on the stand for the prosecution, the victim's sons Ira and abel Herrero. Both said that while they didn't spend much time with their father, Ivan Herrero did touch their lives.

Ira Herrero said, "My daughters cried for days missing their grandfather and they're not gonna get to know him like I did and it makes me sad. Prosecutor: What do you miss the most about him? Ira: just talking to him."

 State Representative Abel Herrero also took the stand: "I just want justice to be done and I respect whatever the jury decies. I'm a lawyer and I know this is part of th process; I don't envy you.  I respect every thing  that you've put in forth here. I know this is part of what we have to do."

 In cross examination by the defense, Ira Herrero was asked if he knew that his father had been married five times and had never paid child support? Herrero answered yes.