Man Convicted in Death of Brother Is Released
A Los Angeles man convicted of vehicular manslaughter for killing his brother on Christmas Day last year was sentenced Wednesday to time served in County Jail and five years probation.
Ralph Martinez Jr., who has been in custody since last December, was ordered released Wednesday.
Calling the incident a tragedy, Pomona Superior Court Judge Clifton Allen sentenced Martinez to 545 days in jail and five years probation, said Sandi Gibbons, a district attorney’s spokeswoman. With time off for good behavior, Martinez has already served his jail sentence.
Martinez must also participate in an anger management program.
Martinez drove his car over his 25-year-old brother, Daniel, in the city of Industry, said authorities, following a dispute between the brothers at a fast-food restaurant.
Prosecutors had charged Ralph Martinez with murder, officials said, but a jury convicted him of vehicular manslaughter.
In court Wednesday, Martinez’s father thanked the judge for freeing his son in time for Christmas, officials said.
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