Femicide sentencing postponed after Hearing

Five men convicted of murdering 11 women in Cd. Juarez had their sentencing postponed to Monday, after a sentencing hearing on Friday lasted from 10 a.m. to nearly midnight.

This is the last segment in a trial that has lasted nearly three months.

According to El Diario de Juarez the prosecutors are asking for life sentences. Even if the judges don’t give the men life sentences, with each man facing several charges, including eleven counts of murder, they could spend the rest of their lives in prison.According to El Diario, the prosecution also asked for more than a million pesos in fines. They say the defense claimed it was too much.

“Proper sentencing is the only way to give the families of the victims justice,” said Juarez resident Rebeka Quiroz.

Being the first case of gender-based aggravated murder taken to the courts, the decisions announced Monday could affect future cases.

“I hope whatever they sentence them with makes others think twice before attacking women,” said Socorro Perez.

The sentencing impact could extend well beyond the courts. Some think it could set legal precedent, and inspire cultural change

“I hope that this trial pushes people to report crimes like these that target women. It’s something that is often overlooked by our society,” said Israel Angulo.

Sentencing is set to resume Monday morning. The three judge tribunal will convene at the Juarez Judicial City to announce their decision.