LANCASTER –A man who killed his girlfriend with a sword in front of her four children in Lancaster was sentenced Tuesday to 36 years to life in state prison.
Jesus “Chuey” Canales, 35, was convicted March 10 of first-degree murder for the July 12, 2008, stabbing death of Lucy Preciado. Jurors also convicted him of four counts of child abuse involving the children, who were between 7 months old and 9 years old at the time.
The children — three of whom the couple had together — were left unattended at the scene with their 26-year-old dying mother, who was struck by the sword at least three times, according to Deputy District Attorney Seth Carmack.
Preciado’s then 9-year-old daughter called 911 to plead for help, telling a 911 operator that she didn’t want her mom to die. [Listen to the call here.]
Following the murder, Canales fled the United States and was captured five years later in Mexico after an episode of the television show America’s Most Wanted featured the story.
He was detained in November 2013 by Mexican authorities, handed over to the U.S. Marshals Service and flown back to Los Angeles County.
Preciado’s family members and supporters were inside the courtroom Tuesday during the emotional sentencing.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Eric Harmon handed down the sentence after hearing a victim impact statement from Preciado’s oldest daughter, now 15 years old.
“You have taken my mom from me but you will never be able to take away the beautiful memories she gave to me,” the girl told Canales.
Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, Canales’ defense attorney C. Edward Mack said his client was remorseful.
“He’s very, very sorry that this ever occurred,” Mack said. “He did something in the heat of passion when he was high… It’s just a difficult situation for everybody all the way around.”
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[City News Service contributed to this report.]
Previous related stories:
Man convicted in Lancaster sword killing
Trial opens for man charged in 2008 sword killing in Lancaster
Trial ordered in 2008 sword killing
Man pleads not guilty in 2008 sword killing
Arraignment postponed in sword killing
Sword wielding murder fugitive arrested
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Tony says
Racists taking the “opportunity” to say sh…t right away, just look at any jail and will find all nationalities and colors.
Obama s trying to help the ones that do good here in this country not the criminals.
Im 100% on the side of deporting all people that dont work and make not only a felony on this country but a misdemeanor, this shoul be enough to ge one deported to wherever they are from.
Only Native Americans belong 100% here, everyone else including whites are inmigrants and most of them not all, came here illegal to steal the gold from the Native Americans.
Mike says
Adios pendejo. Go back to Mexico.
Miss T says
In case you didn’t know HE IS NOT FROM MEXICO, that is just where they found him!
4Justice says
And to think that so many like this man are the kind of “great” people President Obama wants to give amnesty to! People like him make our country look like a trash can! Yuk!
Cali Palmdale says
What does that have to do with it this system is messed up anyway there are White serial killer more than any other race in this country but it don’t matter they come in all colors blacks withes Asian Persian all you name it . the problem here is that the system needs to change did you hear about the new Firing Law in Utah that’s a good start we need that in all states no wasted time in court for criminals you know are guilty from the start.
4Ignorance says
There is no indication that he is an illegal. Rest assured, regular US citizens are perfectly capable of committing worse atrocities.
MIMI says
U must be a republican!
MIMI says
How are the childeren doing? Anyone care?
Mike C says
Adios Jesus, if you ever get out I hope they deport your sorry ass to Mexico where you belong.
SoCal Native says
You mean El Salvador.
A.A.A. says
Our system failed these children and woman! He will be out walking the streets in no time! If this doesn’t qualify for life in prison I’m not sure what does. Our broken system!
4Justice says
You are SO right!
Lookout says
No he won’t. It’s a federal offense, so he’s likely to stay in prison for the majority of the sentence, even on “good behavior.” One play of the tape of the daughter’s 9-11 call is all the parole board would need to hear to keep him locked up until he’s shriveled up and lifeless.
Donna says
It doesn’t take a rocket science to figure out.where he’s from.and perhaps ya think there are more U.S. citizens here…duu
Cali Palmdale says
And the system fails again why keep him alive waste of money and air.