The man who killed a National City resident after the victim vandalized his truck was sentenced Tuesday to 25 years to life in state prison.
Aldo Alfonso Prado, 35, of National City, was shot in the forehead on Oct. 1, 2017 outside the home of Christopher James Artale, 42, in the 4400 block of Glen Street in La Mesa.
An eight woman, four man jury convicted Artale of second-degree murder on May 28 after 6 1/2 days of deliberations. His attorney, Richard Boesen, had argued for acquittal, saying it was self-defense.
El Cajon Superior Court Judge Patricia Cookson imposed 15 years to life for murder plus 10 years consecutively for Artale personally using a gun in a homicide.
Deputy District Attorney Valerie Ryan said Prado had slashed one of his tires with a boxcutter before Artale came outside. She said they had been friends in the past/
“He was running away when he was shot,” said Ryan. “Mr. Prado was shot from behind.”
Artale received credits 759 days in jail. Cookson ordered Artale to pay $615 for funeral expenses.
Prado was rushed to a hospital, and had surgery for a skull fracture. His family authorized removal of life support systems two days later and he passed away quietly, said Ryan.
Boesen had argued that Artale was fearful that Prado would go inside his home. Boesen said Prado furnished Artale with painkillers on other occasions.
Boesen said that when Prado saw Artale pull a gun, he said to him, “you’re not going to shoot me.” Boesen said Artale legally owned the firearm and was trained to use it.
