Man accepts plea deal in friend’s fatal shooting

A 22-year-old man accused of shooting and killing his friend during a fight outside a party pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder and attempted murder charges.

Eric Sandoval told District Judge Michelle Leavitt that he killed his friend, 19-year-old Nester Lee, in late August outside a house on Spring Arts Avenue, near Alexander Road and Durango Drive.

Leavitt could sentence Sandoval to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 10 years; he could also receive 10 years to 25 years in prison.

He could receive an additional two to 20 years in prison for the attempted murder charge.

Maricela Lee, Lee's mother, said she was satisfied with Sandoval's plea agreement.

"He accepted responsibility and will pay for what he did to my son," she said.

Lee graduated from Cimarron-Memorial High School and wanted to be an entrepreneur, she said.

William Terry, Sandoval's attorney, said the deal was a "fair resolution," a sentiment shared by county prosecutor Marc Schifalacqua.

"The defendant is taking responsibility for his actions," Schifalacqua said.

Authorities said Sandoval opened fire outside a party after a fight broke out between two groups of people.

Sandoval is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19.