Stow Beating Suspects Sentenced After Agreeing To Plea Deal

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The two men accused of beating San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow agreed to a plea deal Thursday morning.

Louie Sanchez, 31,  who smirked repeatedly during the hearing, pleaded guilty to one felony count of mayhem. He was sentenced to eight years in state prison by Judge George Lomeli, but will likely serve only five.

KNX 1070's Pete Demetriou reports co-defendant Marvin Norwood, 33, pleaded guilty to felony assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury and was sentenced to four years, which he already served while in custody.

Norwood will now be taken into federal custody for possession of weapons found in his home at the time of his arrest, officials said.

As part of the plea agreement, all other charges against the pair were dropped.

The two Rialto men originally pleaded not guilty in June 2012 to one felony count each of mayhem, assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury and battery with serious bodily injury involving the March 31, 2011 attack on Stow.

Prosecutors alleged Sanchez attacked Stow from behind while in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium on opening day. He was knocked to the ground and kicked, suffering severe brain damage and permanent disabilities.

Witnesses told authorities that Norwood prevented Stow's friends from helping him.

Stow, 45, of Santa Clara, continues to recover at home after his insurance company declined to continue paying for care at a live-in facility.

Prior to sentencing, Stow's father and two sisters spoke to the court.

"What you did late in the evening, in the dark, was cowardly," David Stow said. "The years you Cretans spend in prison is what you deserve."

A statement by Stow's wife was also read.

"We are pleased that the culpable parties have finally accepted responsibility for their actions and have been sentenced for their crimes," the Dodgers organization said in a statement.

A restitution hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 20.