El Paso Radio: Perp Gets 50 Years For Killing Former KLAQ Personality

KLAQ's Rick Madrigal

A jury has handed down a 50 year prison sentence for the man convicted of shooting and killing a former rock KLAQ 95.5 FM El Paso radio personality in 2016.

On Wednesday, the same jury found Leonel Hernandez guilty for the murder of Rick Madrigal, according to KVIA-TV7.

Defense attorney William Cox focused on reminding the jury Hernandez is a human being. He focused the jury's attention on a quote by Sister Helen Prejean: "People are more than the worst thing they have ever done in their lives."

Leonel Hernandez

During witness stage of the punishment phase of the trial, defense attorneys called many witnesses to the stand to show the humanity, kindness, thoughtfulness and hard work ethic of Hernandez. One of the witnesses included his father, who said Hernandez dropped out of college to take over his yard work business when his health started to deteriorate. He said Hernandez provides for him and his family.

Cox asked for the state minimum punishment of 5 years in prison be imposed on Hernandez, saying, "We ask you to use your compassion, to step up and say 'we are going to rehabilitate.' To recognize Leo's entire life."

However, lead prosecuting attorney Stacy Scofield started her argument criticizing the defense for focusing on Hernandez; never mentioning Madrigal.

"It's not about him (Hernandez). It's about Rick," Scofield said.

Leonel Hernandez shot and killed Madrigal at his west El Paso apartment on June 11, 2016. Madrigal was found dead the following day by a friend who went to check on him after her repeated calls to him went unanswered.

Hernandez admitted under questioning to shooting and killing Madrigal according to a police complaint affidavit obtained in 2016 by the El Paso Times. Prosecutors claimed Hernandez shot Madrigal because of jealously over a woman.