Albuquerque teen who killed another teen over gun sale sentenced

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A teen who killed another teen over a gun sale will spend nearly two decades behind bars. The victim’s family filled the courtroom, expressing their rage and grief as the teen was led away.

Jacob Lovato, then 16 years old, attended a party with Gabriel Gurule in 2023, where they were drinking. Gurule brought a gun to the party, and Lovato asked how much it cost. He then threatened to take the gun without paying. In response, Lovato sprayed the room with bullets, killing Gurule.

Lovato pled guilty to first-degree murder to spare the family, friends, and loved ones the pain of a trial. An emotional hearing concluded with Lovato being sentenced to 17 years in prison. Though he carries deep remorse, fear, and sorrow every day for the life that was lost, the court also considered the need for him to be held accountable while having a chance to grow and change.

During the first part of Lovato’s sentencing hearing in May, the victim’s mother expressed her grief and anger. “While this young man sits here, this is Gabriel, this is Gabriel, and this little tiny cross of ashes, this is Gabriel, you’re right here,” she said.

On Wednesday, the court heard from Lovato’s loved ones, who pleaded with the judge for leniency. One family member noted, ” Jacob was guilty of what he was found guilty of, we would just like there to be a fair outcome. Jacob is not entirely innocent; his actions are not that of a cold-blooded murderer.”

Judge Bruce Fox ultimately delivered the nearly two-decade sentence. He stated, “Those charges will run consecutively for a total period of incarceration of 33 years. Actually, what I’m going to do is I am going to suspend 16 years. It will be a total period of incarceration of 17 years, and again, this is… There won’t be any good time, no time off for good behavior.”

Before Lovato was escorted out of the courtroom, he heard from Gurule’s mother one last time. “I hope you f****** die in jail. I hope you f****** die in jail, Jacob,” she shouted before being asked to leave the courtroom.

As part of his plea agreement, Lovato received five years of probation in addition to his prison sentence.

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