Man Convicted Of Pair Of 2004 Murders Sentenced To Death
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A man convicted of killing two workers during a robbery spree 10 years ago has been sentenced to death.
Leonardo Cisneros was convicted of killing employee Joseph Molina and Dianqiu Wu while robbing a Subway restaurant in Whittier in 2004.
On Monday, Cisneros was sent to death for his crimes.
The mother of Joseph Molina was at the sentencing Monday and said she forgives Cisneros for murdering her son.
"After almost 10 years of waiting for this moment of justice, I have asked God to let me understand the things that I cannot change," Josephina Molina said. "By the grace of God, I have decided today to extend my forgiveness to you, Mr. Cisneros."
Cisneros has a long criminal background, including beating his pregnant girlfriend in 1999. He denied committing any crime, despite his spree being captured on video.
"This death in our family has caused suffering and pain for many, many people," Martin Speer said.
An accomplice associated with the crimes, who reportedly did not fire a weapon, made a plea bargain with prosecutors, earning 15 years to life after pleading guilty.
Meanwhile, Cisneros did much to delay the trial process, firing attorneys, acting as his own attorney and filing numerous motions.
Cisneros becomes the 749th inmate on Death Row.