Friend who was with man fatally shot by Boise police in 2023 is sentenced
Garza was arrested for alleged possession of fentanyl pills, according to previous Idaho Statesman reporting.
On Friday, just blocks away from the site of the shooting, Garza was sentenced to four years fixed and six years indeterminate for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, meaning he could be eligible for parole after 48 months.
The prosecution sought to paint Garza as a gang member with a troubling history, while the defense said Garza has shown remorse and been working in the kitchen as a jail inmate.
'I've never been able to see my part in things I've done in life,' Garza said, sitting with his lawyers and wearing a white Ada County Jail sweatshirt. 'I've made excuses to justify my actions.'
Garza, 28, of Kuna, was initially charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver and an enhancement charge, according to court records. He was acquitted of the second possession charge and the enhancement was dropped.
The defense asked for a seven-year sentence with just two years fixed, and for Garza to be placed in a rider program. The prosecution asked for at least 10 years fixed, with 20 years indeterminate.
Judge James Cawthon said Garza expressed similar sentiments about his behavior at past sentencings.
'You're young and can do a lot of good in life,' Cawthon said. 'Getting to a point where you're ready to talk about what your issues are and reach out to other people about your issues and get help for your issues … that's real strength.'
Cawthon also ordered Garza to pay over $200 in restitution and court costs.
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CBS News
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Isn't it Davie's responsibility, if they're going to do this type of an action, to investigate properly what really is going on behind the scenes? We're a family farm. We've been a family farm for all of this. This is what I do. It's who I am. So, what is going on behind the scenes is the question I think that should really be asked—and that will come out." Hoover's attorney, David Braun, pushed back on the allegations, calling them unfounded and pointing to Hoover's longstanding commitment to his animals. "I've been to the farm dozens of times and I know what lengths he takes to take care of his animals and make sure they have what they need," Braun said. Braun also attributed the accusations to personal grievances rather than genuine concern. "I think it's just, some of it is a lack of understanding of how a farm operates and some of it is just downright ex-girlfriends, ex-wives, other folks that have not been happy with something, some aspect or dealings with Mr. Hoover," he said. 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CBS News
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