This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
With a final sentencing hearing on Monday, four survivors of a botched home invasion — in which the homeowner killed one of the would-be robbers — have all settled their cases.
On Oct. 9, 2013, Jose M. Mendoza allegedly was the driver for Geno A. Gonzales, Alfred J. Gomez and Nicholas T. Monte, who tried to rob a Taylorsville man, according to the charges. But in the process, the homeowner shot and killed Monte.
Mendoza, 24, was sentenced Monday to 36 months probation, 100 hours of community service and $500 fine for obstructing justice. His aggravated robbery charge was dismissed.
The three other men, including the homeowner Sergio J. Vargas-Martinez, have all settled thier cases.
Vargas-Martinez, 30, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drug possession and obstructing justice, also a misdemeanor. He was sentenced to pay a $1,000 fine and serve an 18-month probation.
Last year, Gonzales, 24, pleaded guilty to burglary, a second-degree felony. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail, 75 hours of community service and three years probation.
Also last year, Gomez, 35, pleaded guilty to attempted burglary, a third-degree felony. He was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and 36 months probation. He was also ordered to pay $3,644 in restitution.
The night of Oct. 9, 2013, Gonzales, Mendoza, Monte and Gomez drove to a home near 5100 S. Applewood Drive (3560 West) intending to rob Vargas-Martinez of drugs and money, according to charges.
Vargas-Martinez saw three of them approach his house and heard them kick in his door, according to the charges. He grabbed his handgun and ran toward the door, the charges add.
Meanwhile, one of the home invaders held a gun to Vargas-Martinez's fiance's head, while another kicked in the bedroom door of a 15-year-old girl and held a gun to her head, as well, the charges add.
Vargas-Martinez told investigators that he saw Monte and shot him after Monte raised his own handgun, according to the charges. Wounded, Monte fled through the garage and later died at the hospital, the charges add. After hearing the gunshots, the two men holding guns on the fiance and teenager also ran, according to charges.
Meanwhile, police searched Vargas-Martinez's home and found a marijuana growing operation, a handgun and $1,640 in cash, the charges add. He allegedly told police that he threw away his marijuana plants, disconnected the cultivation operation, patched the bullet holes and threw away the casings after shooting Monte.
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