The man who shot and killed Jennifer Beltran-Galassi has been sentenced to life in prison without parole. The Honorable Lynne Jones imposed the sentence on Esteban Garcia earlier today.
Garcia murdered Beltran-Galassi by Gepford Park in August of 2023, as she waited for their daughter to arrive for a custodial exchange. The shooting occurred a week after the defendant had been sentenced on a Domestic Battery case against the victim.
“The sentence of life without parole is justice – firm, necessary, and fully deserved. It protects our community from Mr. Garcia for the rest of his life, but it also stands as a powerful symbol,” said District Attorney Chris Hicks. “Our community has endured far too many tragedies rooted in domestic violence. This sentencing sends a clear and unwavering message: we will not tolerate such brutality. Our office remains steadfast in our commitment to justice and to holding violent offenders fully accountable. Our hearts and prayers are with Ms. Beltran-Galassi’s family as they continue to grieve an unimaginable loss.”
Garcia began a campaign of abuse against Ms. Beltran-Galassi in 2022, following an ending of their relationship. With messages threatening death and stalking of the victim, the abuse continued for months, leading to the victim to obtaining a restraining order and subsequent domestic battery case. Despite those efforts, Garcia maintained his efforts to contact Beltran-Galassi, before eventually killing her on August 5, 2023.
During sentencing, Deputy District Attorney Travis Lucia spoke about Garcia’s continued clear disregard for authority and the judicial system, saying how the defendant “essentially killed her spirit (with his harassment) before he fired that fatal bullet.” In addition, DDA Lucia spoke of how Garcia had no regard for anyone else, including their shared daughter, who unfortunately witnessed the death of her mother.
In addition to the sentence of life without parole for the First Degree Murder charge, Garcia was also given 4-20 years for the Deadly Weapons enhancement.
Audio of Esteban Garcia press release
