Francesca Marie Luna, 28, who had earlier pleaded guilty in the 2010 shooting death of 23-year-old Cynthia Martinez in a North Austin parking lot, was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
“She took the plea bargain offer of 30 years,” said Travis County Assistant District Attorney Mona Shea. Luna pleaded guilty in May but sentencing was put off until now so the victim’s family could be present.
On Tuesday before District Judge Karen Sage, a staff member of the county’s court advocacy office read a statement from Martinez’ family to Luna in court.
Two other men await trial in the case: John Pessina, 29, Luna’s boyfriend at the time, and Valentino Garcia, 22, Luna’s brother. They are also charged with murder.
On Nov. 10, 2010, Martinez was with a man identified as Eric Munoz at her apartment complex. After Munoz’ car struck Garcia’s truck, Garcia followed Munoz and struck Munoz’ car from behind, according to an affidavit.
Later that night, Munoz and Martinez were sitting in their car in the same parking lot when Garcia and others began shooting, killing Martinez and wounding Munoz, according to the affidavit.
