TIGARD, Ore. (KOIN) — The estranged wife of the man who was shot to death was sentenced to life in prison Friday.
Mariah Lynn Molina pleaded guilty Thursday to murdering her estranged husband — Luis Alberto Aguilar-Estrada, who was killed in December 2015.
He died of a gunshot wound to the head, according to archived reports. Police previously confirmed the shooting happened at “close range.”
Molina as well as her boyfriend Brennan Chase Surface and Charlz Lavern Warbonnet were indicted for the murder in May 2016.
Surface also received a life sentence for his role in the homicide after he pleaded guilty to murder in May.
Prosecutors said Molina orchestrated the homicide. She waited in the car while Surface — and their friend Warbonnet — shot Aguilar-Estrada.
Tigard Police previously confirmed the homicide appeared to be the result of a child custody dispute.
Aguilar-Estrada’s family was present during Friday’s sentencing. They said he left behind two kids, who are now in foster care.
During the sentencing, Aguilar-Estrada’s brother-in-law Mike Keymolen said, “He was a hardworking dad, responsible, a loving person who would help out anybody he could, take his shirt off and give it to anyone that needed it. He was a good guy, a good father and now he’s no longer with us.”
Keymolen also said “she doesn’t deserve to be out” and wished that Oregon had the death penalty.
Aguilar-Estrada’s mother, Rosalba, wrote a statement that was read by a translator. It said, “I have suffered a very big loss, he didn’t deserve that. I don’t understand why I opened the doors of my house to a murderer. I regret that with all my soul.”
However, the family did say the verdict brought some closure. They also said they’ll fight for custody for Aguilar-Estrada’s kids.
While the family hopes Molina will serve a full life sentence, she’ll be eligible for parole in 25 years.
The third person involved — Warbonnet — could face trial as early as next week for his role in the murder.