Erickson Dimas-Martinez avoided another murder trial and possible death sentence by admitting to killing and robbing a Centerton teen.
Dimas-Martinez pleaded guilty Friday to capital murder and aggravated robbery. Prosecutors agreed not to pursue the death penalty in exchange for Dimas-Martinez’s guilty plea to the charges.
Dimas-Martinez was sentenced to life imprisonment without the benefit of parole for the capital murder and another life sentence for the aggravated robbery. The sentences will be served consecutively.
Prosecutor Van Stone reached the agreement with Dimas-Martinez’s attorneys. Tony Pirani, deputy public defender, stood with Dimas-Martinez during the hearing Friday.
Stone said the plea makes sure Dimas-Martinez will spend his life in prison.
Dimas-Martinez, 27, of Springdale was convicted in 2010 of killing 17-year-old Derrick Jefferson. Dimas-Martinez was sentenced to death.
Jefferson’s body was found Dec. 30, 2006, in a driveway at 4265 N. 40th St. in an area of Springdale in Benton County. The teen was shot once in the head.
The Arkansas Supreme Court overturned Dimas-Martinez’s conviction and sentence based on the actions of two jurors. One juror slept during the case, and another violated a court order and communicated about his jury service via Twitter.
A new trial was slated to begin Aug. 27.
Stone said he entered into the agreement mainly because of Jefferson’s mother, Ruth, and his grandmother, Shirley, who attended the first trial and have dealt with the case for almost six years.
“They wanted the finality from the plea,” Stone said. “If they are satisfied with the outcome, then we are, too.”
Stone read statements directed to Dimas-Martinez from the women during the hearing.
“Your actions robbed Derrick of a chance to grow to adult manhood,” Stone read from Ruth Jefferson’s letter. “You robbed me of many years of love and joy, of having grandchildren.”
Dimas-Martinez admitted shooting Jefferson with a .380-caliber handgun.
He told Circuit Judge Jon Comstock through an interpreter he understood he was giving up his right to a jury trial and to appeal a jury verdict.
Comstock accepted the agreement and pleas.
He asked Dimas-Martinez if he had anything to say. “The victim’s family,” Dimas-Martinez said through the interpreter. “I’m sorry for what happened. I would like to go back.”
Dimas-Martinez said there is nothing he can do now to change what happened to Jefferson.
Pirani told the court Dimas-Martinez is remorseful, and appreciated the opportunity to express his sympathy.
Comstock told Dimas-Martinez he didn’t take pleasure in imposing the life sentences.
“I respect you for making the decision to take responsibility for your actions,” the judge said.
Dimas-Martinez will receive credit for the more than five years spent in custody.
Stone described the events leading up to Jefferson’s death at a 2010 hearing where Uris Magana-Galdamez pleaded guilty to charges resulting from his role in the crime.
Stone said Jefferson met Dimas-Martinez and Magana-Galdamez at a party in Springdale. The two were supposed to give Jefferson a ride to his Centerton home, but they planned to provide the ride as a pretense to rob Jefferson, Stone said.
According to Stone, Dimas-Martinez instructed Jefferson to drive the car to various locations before directing the teen to park.
Dimas-Martinez approached Jefferson, who was still in the driver’s seat. He pointed a .380-caliber handgun at Jefferson and ordered him out of the car. He then ordered Jefferson to turn over his money and some clothing, which Jefferson did.
A girl in the car attempted to help Jefferson, but Magana-Galdamez put what the girl described as a knife to her neck and threatened her to keep her quiet, Stone said.
Dimas-Martinez approached the driver’s seat, then turned and shot Jefferson.
Magana-Galdamez pleaded guilty in 2010, and he was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
At A Glance
The Statements
Van Stone, Benton County prosecutor, read statements from Derrick Jefferson’s mother and grandmother in court Friday.
Ruth Jefferson, mother
- “Your actions robbed Derrick of a chance to grow to adult manhood. You robbed me of many years of love and joy, of having grandchildren. Your actions have cost me greatly. I grieve daily.
- “You took the bright spot of my life. His fabulous smile, his jokes, his singing and his experimental cooking. All of the fun things we did together.”
- “He truly never met a stranger. He had so many friends of all races and was loved by all who knew him.”
Shirley Jefferson, grandmother
- “First and foremost I am a daughter, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Derrick was my heart and the light of my life. I miss him so much, and to know I will never hear him laugh, kiss me, tell me how much he loves me and to dance for me.”
- “The hurt in my heart will be there every day until I leave this world.”
Source: Staff Report