TOPOCK — Family members of a Topock man who was shot and killed in his own home on July 5 railed against a plea agreement that required a 5-year prison term for the defendant who pleaded guilty to manslaughter. They aired their objections during an October 6 sentencing hearing for Quintin Vesga, 27.
They told Mohave County Superior Court judge Derek Carlisle that the victim deserved more respect and that the man who shot him while drunk and high on psychadelic mushrooms should spend more time behind bars for the death of Dennis Morris, 67.
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office said that Vesga thought he was experiencing a nightmare when he shot his hand, resulting in loss of a finger. The agency said Vesga subsequently fired shots within the home, with several bullets striking the victim who was fatally wounded in the residence in the 5400 block of E. Nogales Drive.
“It feels like Dennis is getting no justice here,” a brother of Morris told the Court. “I just don’t see 5 years as justice. Everyone gets a win here except for Dennis.”
Judge Carlisle said he was at a disadvantage because he didn’t hear much case evidence regarding how many times the victim was shot and whether some or all shots of the shots that struck Morris were fired through a bathroom door, or some through the door and several more when the door was open.
Nonetheless, Carlisle rejected the sentencing limitations of the plea deal. The hearing was recessed so public defender Paul Amann could confer with his client regarding options that included withdrawing from the plea and going to trial, attempting to reach a new plea agreement or allowing the Court to sentence him beyond the 5-years.
Ultimately, Vesga proceeded forward, keeping the plea deal on track. Judge Carlisle ordered an 8.5-year prison term, stating he was skeptical the harsher sentence would make Morris’ family any more supportive of the agreement.
Dave Hawkins
