MASON CITY, IA - Nineteen year old Damion Seats is sentenced to life in prison. In August, a judge convicted him of killing 28-year old Isidoro Erreguin.
Based on letters Seats wrote to the judge, he believes his conviction is connected to his race. As the judge began Monday's hearing, Seats clung to one last hope before his sentencing - a request for a new trial. Judge John Mackey shot that down within the first few minutes.
From that point, Seats fate is sealed in Iowa's law. First degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison, with no chance for parole.
After spending more than a year in court, Isidoro Erreguin's brother wanted to share a few final words with the court, and with Seats. Speaking through a translator, Avelio Servantez Erreguin explained how the murder has impacted his life.
Asst. Cerro Gordo County Attorney Carlyle Dalen noted, "he spoke to his heart, and like I said, I've known him for awhile now, with these trials, and he's a very emotional fellow."
Servantez Erreguin said he can't work regular hours because of his constant court appearances. He hasn't seen his family in Mexico since his brother's murder, and he has a hard time sleeping at night. He fears someone will come and attack him.
"As you can see, it's very emotional for a lot of the people. Avelio talked a lot about his work, but privately he's talked to us about his family, about missing his brother, and that's been on his heart for quite awhile," said Dalen.
Damion Seats will serve his life sentence concurrently with his 25 year first degree burglary sentence. The judge also ordered him to pay $150,000 in restitution to the family, and thousands more in court fees. Seats' lawyer is already planning an appeal.
The process isn't over for Servantez Erreguin. He'll be back in court in about a month for Andre Wells Junior's trial. Those proceedings are scheduled to begin December 1, 2009. In August, Seats testified Wells is the person who actually shot Erreguin.
