WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) - A Leominster man who fatally stabbed his older brother was spared prison time by a judge who said the defendant already feels “tremendous guilt.”
Andrew Morales was sentenced to six years of probation after pleading guilty Thursday to voluntary manslaughter in the October 2011 death of 22-year-old Richard Morales Jr.
Andrew Morales was 18 at the time and had originally been charged with first-degree murder.
Judge Janet Kenton-Walker decided against prison during an emotional court hearing in which the brothers’ parents sought leniency, saying the stabbing during an argument was an accident and their sons were inseparable friends. She said Andrew shouldn’t be punished any more than he is already punishing himself.
Prosecutors sought up to 12 years in prison, and even Andrew Morales’ lawyer had recommended a 5-year term.
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