Los Angeles, CA – A California man was sentenced to 150 years in prison Friday for the murders of three people over four years, authorities say. 35-year-old Anthony Velasquez was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder after a Los Angeles jury deliberated for 5½ hours, following the killings of Jesse Avalos in 2014, Eduardo Robles in 2015, and Amanda Nicole Lopez in 2018.
Triple Murders Motivated by Disrespect
Prosecutors stated that Velasquez committed the murders because he believed the victims had disrespected him. At sentencing, Amanda Lopez’s mother told the court,
“You, Anthony, are and always will be nothing more than certified homicidal serial killer who has no heart and no conscience”.
Authorities said the killings, which occurred within roughly two miles of each other in East Los Angeles, shared similar suspect descriptions and modus operandi.
Details of the Victims’ Deaths
- Jesse Avalos, 34, was killed on Feb. 11, 2014, after responding to a late-night phone call about a vehicle issue. His body was later found in his SUV near Telegraph Road and Arizona Avenue.
- Eduardo Robles, 38, was killed on July 6, 2015, following a fight at a party. Velasquez reportedly shot him in the chest after sabotaging his vehicle.
- Amanda Lopez, 27, was fatally shot in her tent at a homeless encampment near the East Los Angeles Courthouse on April 22, 2018, while she slept.
Investigators reported that Velasquez used the same gun in multiple killings Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.
Father Involvement and Arrests
Velasquez’s father, Manuel Velasquez, 55, was also arrested for assisting in the killings and disposing of evidence. Authorities said Manuel was present for all three murders and served as the getaway driver for at least Amanda Lopez’s killing.
Lt. Hugo Reynaga of the LASD said, “Usually fathers protect their kids. Well, I guess he protected Anthony from getting arrested”.
Manuel Velasquez pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and accessory after the fact in February and received over 11 years in prison.
Families Mourn Victims at Sentencing
During Anthony Velasquez’s sentencing, family members expressed their grief. Eduardo Avalos’ daughter said,
“There is not one day that I don’t think about my dad. I won’t ever have my dad and daughter dance. I won’t have my dad to walk me down the aisle” Los Angeles Daily News.
The sentence ensures that Velasquez will spend the remainder of his life in prison, bringing closure to the victims’ families while highlighting the severity of his crimes.
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