The man found guilty of shooting two men, and killing one in Schenectady back in 2013 was sentenced Monday to 65 years to life in prison. Emily DeFeciani was court for 29-year-old Emmanuel Martinez's sentencing.
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- It's been nearly two years since 24-year-old Jose 'Mikey' Torres was shot and killed at a cookout in front of his friends and family.
"Every day his daughter asks 'when's daddy coming home?' Daddy's never going to be home," said Carmen Torres, the victim's mother.
"You never know, all the children that were in that backyard, we could've had more than one murder, and lost more than one family member, we almost lost two that day," said Diana Torres, the victim's aunt.
On that August evening in 2013, prosecutors say 29-year-old Emmanuel Martinez got into a fight with Torres. Soon after, Martinez went home to get a gun.
"This was completely senseless -- all because he got slapped in the face," said Brian Gray, the senior assistant district attorney.
When Martinez returned to Torres' house, he shot him and his brother Luis Gomez.
"He had literally an hour and forty-five minutes to say 'I shouldn't be doing this, I'm taking this too far,' but every step of the way he just let his anger control his actions," said Gray.
"Given the horrific nature of the crimes, the disregard for human life, the lack of remorse, and the danger you posed to the community, a severe sentence is warranted," said Hon. Judge Coccoma.
Monday, an emotionless Martinez was sentenced to 65 years to life in prison.
"Knowing that he's not running around out here enjoying his freedom, I can sleep 90 percent better now," said Hector Gomez, the victim's brother.
But although justice has finally been served, Torres' family says nothing will ever make things right again.
"There's not enough years or enough time in this world for you to pay for what you've done to us," said Diana Torres.
"They say God says to forgive, but I could never forgive him for taking my son away from me," said Carmen Torres.
Martinez was previously found guilty on all counts, including second-degree murder and attempted murder. He will be eligible for parole for the first time at age 94.