First Judicial District Attorney Alexis King said his office would probably recommend 20-30 years in prison.
At a state hearing on Monday, Judge A.J. Bruce Jones sought to resolve the practical issues with the unprecedented nature of the case, in which the prosecution began to demand a reduced sentence instead of a defense.
The case has attracted national attention as its sentence has been extended. Jones said he was forced to serve 110 years in prison because of state sentencing guidelines.
At Monday’s hearing, both the government and the plaintiffs stated that they would like to make sure that no objections are interfered with the defendant’s right to appeal. The judge gives lawyers time to examine practical questions to ensure that proper action is taken in the correct order.
The Jan. 13 trial is set to take place in person, and Jones said he wants Aguilera-Maduros to appear at trial, but he does not want to testify.
However, Jones will allow victims’ family members to testify or submit their testimony in writing. He will allow anyone who wishes to submit something in writing on behalf of the defendant to do so.
“I’m worried about turning this thing into a circus, and for me it will not be a circus,” Jones said Monday.
King has previously asked the court to consider the 20-30 year limit “on the basis of the facts of the case and the inputs of the victims and their families”.
“This is an exceptional case and requires an exceptional process,” he told reporters after the hearing on Monday.
“Defendant’s four deaths, others serious physical injuries, and the impact of his truck caused damage to many in our community,” King continued. “After all, my office began the review process the same week the defendant was convicted so the court could consider an alternative sentence that is not bound by the mandatory sentence structures.”
Four people were killed in an accident between states
Killed were Miguel Angel Lamas Arelano, 24; William Bailey, 67; Doyle Harrison, 61; And Stanley Politano, 69.
The 110-year prison sentence handed down on Dec. 13 is under consideration, and nearly five million people have signed a petition calling on Governor Jared police to reduce or pardon Aguilera-Maduros’ sentence.
The police office told CNN that Aguilera-Metro was considering a clemency request.
Duan Bailey, brother of William Bailey, recently told CNN that he and others had met with police.
“We honestly thought he should stay away from it until the court proceedings were over,” Duan Bailey said. “It’s inappropriate for the governor to be involved before that.”
Aguilera-Mederos’ attorney said Monday that the state’s penal code needs to be reformed.
“The law does not really distinguish between people who are not dangerous to society, such as Mr. Medros, and others who have been sentenced to life imprisonment for endangering society. And I think the law should create those types.
CNN’s David Williams, Raja Rasek, Jennifer Feldman, Melissa Alonso, Amir Vera and Michelle Watson contributed to the report.