Fresno man sentenced after toddler fatally shoots mother with unsecured gun
19-year-old Andrew Sanchez was sentenced to less than five years in prison by a Fresno County judge, nearly one year after a tragic shooting.
Sanchez left a loaded gun within reach of his girlfriend's toddler back in December.
Police say the weapon was unregistered and unsecured when Jessinya Mina's two-year-old accidentally shot and killed her.
RELATED: Woman accidentally shot and killed by her 2-year-old child in northeast Fresno, police say
Tears filled the courtroom as Mina's loved ones spoke about the hole left in their hearts.
Mina's best friend was in the apartment on that deadly day.
"I remember sitting in my room and I remember hearing her scream. And it plays in my head every day. I remember hiding in the closet because I thought we were all going to die," said the friend.
Sanchez pleaded no contest to felony child endangerment and felony criminal storage of a firearm.
The defendant's father, who was in the courtroom on Friday, said his son has accepted responsibility for the crimes. He also shared his own sorrow.
"My deepest apologies to you guys. To my family, my deepest apologies to them. I got broke from both sides," said the suspect's father.
Mina's family said the time Sanchez will spend in prison is nothing compared to the lifelong loss they will continue to endure.
"She was amazingly beautiful. Not only on the outside but on the inside as well. And she was hilarious. She could bring a smile to your face, even when you had tears in your eyes. And her smile was so contagious, and she just lit up a room anytime she went in," said the victim's older sister, Jessica Rodriguez.
Sanchez has been out on bail throughout most of the court process.
He only had two days of credit for time served and was taken into custody immediately after his sentencing.
For news updates, follow Vince Ybarra on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
