A San Diego man who shot and killed a 21-year-old outside the BoBar Market on F Street near Broadway in Chula Vista was sentenced July 26 to 52 years to life in prison.
Many family members of the victim, Jimmy Rodriguez Jr. of Chula Vista, testified about how the 2012 slaying affected them to Chula Vista Superior Court Judge Edward Allard III.
Karim Josue Alvarez, 21, was given 25 years to life for the first-degree murder conviction returned by his jury on June 5.
Allard also imposed 25 years consecutively for using a gun in a homicide.
Another two years was added for Alvarez being out on bond on another crime when the shooting occurred, said Deputy District Attorney David Grapilon.
He said Alvarez had been charged with possession of illegal drugs and concealing a weapon in a vehicle before the slaying.
Rodriguez was shot in the leg and torso and died on the way to a hospital on March 14, 2012. He was shot around 9 p.m. as he was running away from the gunman.
Alvarez was seen punching Rodriguez and arguing with him on store surveillance cameras.
Allard ordered Alvarez to pay approximately $5,000 for funeral expenses, and his co-defendant, David Chavoya, 19, of Chula Vista, may also be ordered to help pay for the victim’s funeral.
Chavoya pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in May and faces a sentence of 25 years to life in prison, said Grapilon.
His sentencing is set for Sept. 19.
Both Chavoya and Alvarez were arrested on March 27, 2012, by Chula Vista Police.
