Man convicted of killing former KLAQ DJ sentenced to 50 years in prison

A jury has handed down a 50 year prison sentence for the man convicted of shooting and killing a former El Paso radio personality in 2016.

On Wednesday, the same jury found Leonel Hernandez guilty for the murder of Rick Madrigal. Thursday, jurors heard closing arguments from the defense and the prosecution.

Defense attorney William Cox focused on reminding the jury Hernandez is a human being. He focused the jury’s attention on a quote by Sister Helen Prejean: “People are more than the worst thing they have ever done in their lives.”

During witness stage of the punishment phase of the trial, defense attorneys called many witnesses to the stand to show the humanity, kindness, thoughtfulness and hard work ethic of Hernandez. One of the witnesses included his father, who said Hernandez dropped out of college to take over his yard work business when his health started to deteriorate. He said Hernandez provides for him and his family.

Cox asked for the state minimum punishment of 5 years in prison be imposed on Hernandez, saying, “We ask you to use your compassion, to step up and say ‘we are going to rehabilitate.’ To recognize Leo’s entire life.”

However, lead prosecuting attorney Stacy Scofield started her argument criticizing the defense for focusing on Hernandez; never mentioning Madrigal.

“It’s not about him (Hernandez). It’s about Rick,” Scofield said.

The State is asking for a minimum of 71 years in prison for Hernandez. She said the murder was “his act and his alone,” arguing if the jury decides on sending Hernandez to jail for a long time is not their act, but what he has done to himself.

“There’s no leniency in my heart,” Scofield said, reminding the jury Madrigal will never get to see his family again while Hernandez can always be visited by his family.

“I want you to have compassion,” she said. “I want you to have compassion for Rick.”

The jury began deliberation on Hernandez’s punishment around 1 p.m.