A Fresno County jury convicted the Beard brothers of lesser charges, but the judge imposed a maximum sentence.
Jarrad Beard was sentenced to 34 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter. Two counts, one each for Justin Hesketh and Brandon Moore.
Jarrad's younger brother Jerry will serve 10 years for his part in Hesketh's death. He was not found culpable for the death of Moore.
Judge Denise Whitehead said lack of remorse encouraged her to levy a harsh sentence. Defense attorney Phillip Cherney said he will appeal her decision.
The victims' families made passionate pleas for justice. Those same family members were accused of trying to seek justice on their own.
Jarrad and Jerry's mother Nikkia Rojas says her family has been attacked by the victims' families. After the sentences were read, she says she was taunted.
Almost everyone in the courtroom felt a sense of loss. Even though Rojas' sons survived, she said "I feel bad for that family. I don't know what it's like to lose a child, although i've lost one, it seems, to the system."
TXT 24
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