Raul Cruz, 19, received an indeterminate sentence of 25 years to life on each count of murder 1st degree in the deaths of Marcelino Gomez Hernandez and Elibander Morales in Genesee County Court on Tuesday.
Cruz will serve two consecutive terms of 25 years to life in prison.
Hernandez and Morales were found dead at a farm at 10216 Alexander Road on March 11, 2022, both victims of homicide.
Judge Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini sentenced Cruz to two consecutive 25 year to life terms after Cruz made a motion to withdraw his plea before sentencing, claiming he did not do it and did not understand the justice system. Cruz made the motion against the advice of his new attorney Anthony Bruce.
“I advised my client that he could be sentenced to a consecutive sentence, but he wanted to proceed and withdraw his plea against my advice,” said Anthony Bruce, Attorney for Cruz.
On October 17, 2022, under oath, Cruz pleaded guilty to two counts of murder 1st degree, a class A1 felony. He would have faced 23 years to life in the plea deal. Yesterday, Judge Lightcap Cianfrini received an unsigned letter, presumably from Cruz, saying he would like to withdraw his plea. Just before sentencing today, the Judge received a signed copy of the letter and a motion to withdraw his plea.
Judge Lightcap Cianfrini denied the motion after allowing Cruz to speak in court on the motion.
“After admitting to facts in a murder, you are turning around and submitting an affidavit saying you lied, ” the Judge told the defendant.
He was scared poor kid is 19 years old and he’s right all these public defenders are only out for the money. He was set up by prince and pressured and scared, Jesus he didn’t kill them prince did maybe listen to this poor kid 50 years are you kidding I wish he could appeal it and talk to HIS NEW LAWYER and get the right answers Genesee county is a joke