Ashland man sentenced to 50 years after found guilty of voluntary manslaughter

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An Ashland man who was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter was sentenced on Tuesday to 50 years in prison.

Robin Morales-Sanchez, 22, was found guilty in July of voluntary manslaughter, two counts of armed criminal action and a count of first-degree assault.

He was initially charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault and two counts of armed criminal action. He was accused of killing Moises Hernandez-Sanchez by stabbing him several times in the torso at an Ashland home in 2021.

An interpreter was in the courtroom for Morales-Sanchez.

"When I think about what is just, that really, there is no justice that is going to be done here today," said judge Devine. "I wish for the family members of Moises that they were with their loved one enjoying his company and wish for you Mr. Morales-Sanchez that you are enjoying your life outside of custody."

"So justice in those terms is not something that can be accomplished today because I can't undo the past," Devine continued.

In July, a jury recommended that Morales-Sanchez should be sentenced to 50 years: 15 years for the manslaughter charge, 15 years for one of the armed criminal action charges, 10 years for first-degree assault and 10 years for the second armed criminal action charge.

The Boone County Prosecutor's office says Morales-Sanchez will be eligible for parole after serving 14.5 years in prison.

In Tuesday's courtroom, Morales-Sanchez was read his sentencing and heard a motion for a new trial from the defense. Morales-Sanchez's lawyer has filed a motion for a new trial following the jury's decision.

The judge heard first from the state and then Morales-Sanchez's lawyer. The state asked for consecutive sentences for all four counts and to follow the jury's recommendation.

"These were two separate incidents related, but separate incidents with the stabbing in the backyard of the residence and then killing of Moises inside the residence and the defendants attempting to flee," said the state.

The defense asked for a total of 15 years in prison. Morales-Sanchez's lawyer says Morales-Sanchez feels bad for the family and was emotional throughout the trial.

"He was emotional, and he relayed to me that given the chance he would substitute his own life for Moises," Morales-Sanchez's lawyer Jason Mullikin said.

Mullikin argued that Morales-Sanchez was only 18 at the time of the fatal stabbing, and that he had just moved to the area and had no intent to kill anyone. He also said Morales-Sanchez will eventually be released and will spend nearly his entire adult life in custody.

While in custody, Morales-Sanchez has learned English to a certain degree and meets with his preacher every week, according to his lawyer.

"Mr. Morales had been showing evidence of improvement in his attitude and is continually showing interest and willingness to do what is morally right," Mullikin said.

The defense requested the amount of years Morales-Sanchez would be enough time for contemplation and remorse, so he can become a productive member of society.

Morales-Sanchez lawyer stated he had a difficult upbringing. He started using hard drugs like PCP at 14-years-old and that his father had a drinking problem and would abuse his mother.

The defense also brought up Morales-Sanchez's undocumented immigration status. The defense argued having him in prison will use more tax money.

The state cited the defense's motion that one of the state's witnesses directly addressed the jury and blurted out "I want justice" with a raised fist, which the defense called an "outburst." The state said that was inaccurate.

The defense also claimed that members of the jury were seen riding the elevator with a family member. The state says there is no indication as to who witnessed it and it was not brought to the attention of the court.

"I agree with the state," Judge Joshua Devine said. "I do not recall, the witness exclaiming, I want justice with an exclamation point and that wouldn't have happened that way anyway, because there was the interpretation issue."

Devine said he had told the jury to disregard any further statements from that witness. He also said he did not recall a fist being in the air. Devine also said he recalled telling the attorneys to have a conversation with the family to not interact with the jury and he was positive the jury was reminded to not speak with family members.

Devine was unaware of any specific interactions between the family and the jury. He denied the motion for a new trial.

Morales-Sanchez communicated to the judge through his interpreter that he had no complaints about his representation.