A Santa Maria man who admitted to shooting and killing his younger brother earlier this year was sentenced Thursday to four years behind bars.
A Santa Maria Superior Court judge handed down the sentence to Fernando Navarro.
The 19-year-old was arrested in early February after authorities say he shot his 13-year-old brother, Leonardo.
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office says Navarro was holding the gun when it “unintentionally discharged.”
According to the DA’s Office, Navarro was on probation and was prohibited from handling a gun.
Navarro initially pleaded not guilty but later entered into a plea agreement, pleading guilty to a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter and misdemeanor charge of unlawful firearm activity.
As part of his sentence, the judge ordered him to pay $10,894.50 to the California Victim Compensation Board, not consume any alcohol or drugs, and undergo mental health treatment, among others.
