SACRAMENTO ? Two men, who were found guilty in September of the murder of former Lower Lake resident David Joshua Barreda Jr., 33, were sentenced on Monday in Sacramento Superior Court. A pretrial hearing for a third suspect is scheduled for Jan. 13.
Curtis Chapman, 21, who was identified by prosecuting District Attorney Rick Miller as the triggerman in Barreda Jr.”s death, was sentenced to life without parole plus 25 years. Co-defendant Richard Hundley, 21, also received a life sentence without parole.
“It was justice for Josh Barreda and they both got what the law said they should have,” Miller said. “It was an awful murder and they got what they should have.”
Both men were convicted by separate juries in September. Chapman was found guilty of first degree murder with special circumstances of robbery while Hundley was convicted of first degree murder.
“I feel justice was served,” David Barreda Sr. said. “It was very emotional for everyone who was there because we were all allowed to address the court. There was no remorse on the part of the defendants and I”m glad that the judge recognized our loss.”
The Barreda family conducted a letter writing campaign illustrating the impact of Barreda Jr.”s death. “I think the letters of impact and the CD we made of my son”s life served their purpose,” Barreda Sr. said. “We really want to thank everyone who wrote a letter and helped us through this ordeal.”
Barreda continued, “Hundley actually felt that he didn”t do anything wrong even though he helped put my son”s body in the car.
He indicated that he encouraged Chapman to rob him but denied conspiring to kill him. The way the law is written, he may as well of pulled the trigger himself and we”re pleased that the court saw it that way as well.”
A third suspect arrested in connection with Barreda”s murder is due in court Jan. 13. Hundley”s mother, Tammy Turney, 49, faces a similar sentence. “The DA is hoping she will take the plea bargain, which will put her behind bars for 25 years to life,” Barreda Sr. said.
Barreda”s body was discovered in the trunk of a 1996 Ford Taurus last Thanksgiving Day in Sacramento. His death was caused by a gunshot wound to the back of the head. Evidence presented in court indicated that Barreda Jr. went to the suspects” residence to give Turney a tattoo. According to Miller, the suspects had stolen Barreda”s car keys, forcing him to stay the night.
The next morning Chapman shot him in the back of the head and the suspects put him in his vehicle and drove it a few blocks away where it was later discovered.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
