Hernandez’s family wails as he is led out of court to begin serving 50-year prison sentence

The family of Leonel Hernandez wailed Friday as Hernandez was taken out of the courtroom in handcuffs and a jumpsuit to begin serving the beginning of his 50 year prison term.

On Friday, Hernandez listened to the victim impact statements addressed to him by the mother, brother and father of the man he murdered in 2016: Richard Madrigal, a former El Paso radio personality.

A jury this week convicted Hernandez of murder for the shooting death of Madrigal. The same jury sentenced Hernandez to 50 years in prison.

” I’m still grieving okay, but I want to say that even though this is hard for me, I’m a believer. I’m a believer and I want to forgive you, ” said Christina Byers, Madrigal’s mother, ” The only way that I can forgive you is through my lord and savior Jesus Christ. Otherwise, I just can’t. ”

WATCH THE VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENTS BELOW:

Madrigal’s brother, Alex Austin, told Hernandez he saw a news report featuring Hernandez’s aunt. The woman, Austin said, was still convinced her nephew, Hernandez, is innocent. ” That made me really sad. She is convinced you are innocent. Ease their burden. Let them know what you and I know. Release them. Have that mercy on them that you didn’t have on Richard, ” Austin told Hernandez.

Madriga’s father, Richard Madrigal Senior, told Hernandez he was hurting for his family. Madrigal Senior turned to Hernandez’s father in the courtroom. ” I feel sorry for you as a father. You know what I am going through, ” said Madrigal Senior.

Madrigal’s family also told Hernandez they are still waiting for an apology.

” I’ve never heard directly from you. Be a man. There’s family here. Tell us to our face: ‘hey man, I’m sorry.’ That’s all I want to hear,” said Austin.

“Repent. Talk to God and tell him to reveal himself to you and he will,” said Madrigal’s mother.

Hernandez did not apologize or acknowledge his guilt.