TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Two men, Joseph Nolan and Richard Miller, were sentenced on Monday for their roles in the 2022 killing of 16-year-old James Sanchez at a community park in Catalina. Nolan was sentenced for all five counts and Miller was sentenced to probation.
“James was very funny, very kind,” his sister described him.
She and a few other family members and friends got to address the judge on Monday before the sentencing.
“James’ death has caused so much pain,” his sister said while addressing the judge.
Joseph Nolan, one of the defendants in the killing of James Sanchez, was found guilty of first degree murder. For that count, he was sentenced on Monday to prison for all of his natural life.
“I’m sorry for your loss. I pray that one day everyone will be able to find it in their hearts to forgive me,” Nolan addressed Sanchez’s family and friends.
However, Melissa Gomez, James' mom, felt like Nolan’s apology was not genuine and she was not convinced by it.
“He had no tears, no empathy, whether he said he did or not,” Gomez said while his sister said, “All of that, he didn’t mean any of that forgiveness. He doesn’t feel anything.”
Nolan is also facing four other counts including attempted armed robbery, which he was sentenced to seven and a half years to at the Department of Corrections.
He was also sentenced for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and attempted first-degree murder. He will be serving time for all of his counts at the same time.
“I was content with them. I feel like that he should do natural life,” Gomez said.
Richard Miller, another defendant in the case, plead guilty to aggravated robbery. For that, he took a plea in connection with James Sanchez’s murder.
Judge Metcalf, who also presided over Nolan’s case, said Miller was not armed or involved in the set up and said he did not find any aggravating factors. He also mentioned that there was not enough evidence showing Miller was involved in the set up or execution of the plan.
Miller also apologized to James' loved ones before sentencing.
“They are sorry that they’re in jail, but I don’t know if they’re sorry that they murdered my son,” Gomez said.
Metcalf suspended Miller's sentence and placed him on probation for five years. He said if Miller violates his probation, he would serve a lengthy prison term.
Paul Rodriguez, one of the suspects in Sanchez’s murder, still has a trial coming up. Two others connected to this crime are serving time.
Gomez said facing the men involved in her son’s murder has been tough.
“I had to live this. I had a son that I will never forget,” she said.
