Sentencing delayed for two men in Luxor bombing case

Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009 | 8:21 a.m.

Luxor Bombing Trial (8-27-09)

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Sentencing has been delayed for two men found guilty of killing another man with a pipe bomb detonated at the Luxor parking garage.

In September, a jury found Omar Rueda-Denvers and Porfirio “Pilo” Duarte-Herrera guilty of first-degree murder, attempted murder and of related bomb possession charges. They were spared the death penalty, with jurors instead opting for life in prison without parole.

Besides the death penalty or life without parole, jurors could have given them up to 100 years with parole possible after 40 years or life with parole possible after 40 years. Rueda-Denvers and Duarte-Herrera are both in the country illegally, authorities have said.

Sentencing is now scheduled for 8:15 a.m. Jan. 7 in front of District Court Judge Michael Villani.

The pipe bomb exploded on the garage roof of the Luxor on May 7, 2007, killing Willebaldo Dorantes Antonio. His girlfriend, Caren Chali, was near the explosion but was unharmed.

Prosecutors contended throughout the trial that Chali spurned Denvers’ attempts to reconcile their relationship and sought the help of his friend, Herrera, to get revenge. Denvers’ attorneys said he was just trying to find the daughter he had with Chali.

The bomb tore off Dorante Antonio’s hand and sent a piece of metal into his head, which killed him.

Discussion: 2 comments so far…

By mk1234

11/5/09 at 9:38 a.m.

Suggest removal

You know having people like this even back on the streets in 20 years is scary.I don't understand the legal system aren't these guys illeagl in our country.Can't they be deported after they spend their 20 years or so.This was a totally wreckless crime what if someone else was to have picked up that cup they could have blown up an innocent person.