A judge Friday sentenced Jose A. Covian, the Hollister man accused in the 2007 stabbing murder of Alejandro Hurtado, to a prison term of 25 years to life.
A jury in October convicted Covian of first-degree murder.
During Friday’s sentence hearing, neither the victim’s family nor Covian spoke.
Covian’s attorney Arlene Allan did read a statement from him – while noting he has a speech impediment – which said he was “deeply sorry for their loss” but also contended he was defending himself when he stabbed Hurtado.
Covian, 27, is suspected of stabbing and killing Hurtado in December 2007 in the 800 block of C Street during a confrontation outside a house.
Hurtado was stabbed at the end of a cul-de-sac that runs between Powell Street and Homestead Avenue. He was pronounced dead about an hour after he was stabbed once in the chest.
Hollister police shortly after arrested Covian at his Homestead Avenue residence after two witnesses gave investigators a description of a lone assailant.
Look back for more, including reaction from the family and district attorney.
