SALT LAKE CITY — A 19-year-old Utah man pleaded guilty to shooting and killing a man in West Valley City two years ago when he was 17.
Jose Hernandez-Liborio said he knowingly caused the death of Marcus Garcia, 36, by shooting in his direction, but believed he was defending himself, according to his plea statement.
After 11 p.m. on Aug. 9, 2023, police responded to reports of shots west of Bangerter Highway on 4200 S. Bluebird Circle and found Garcia's body in the road.
During the investigation, officers learned that Garcia had been confronted by four boys looking for his stepson. They claimed he owed them money. Garcia followed them to get their license plate number, and when he got out of his truck to get the number he threw something at their car, according to charging documents.
At that point, Hernandez-Liborio left his vehicle and fired at Garcia once.
He was charged as an adult with murder, a first-degree felony, but pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter, a second-degree felony with a weapon enhancement, as part of a plea deal. He also pleaded guilty to felony discharge of a firearm, a first-degree felony.
In exchange, prosecutors agreed to recommend consecutive prison sentences. If the judge agrees, Hernandez could spend at least seven years and up to life in prison.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 9.
