Phoenix courtroom attack occurs during murder sentencing

A sentencing hearing in a Phoenix courtroom turned violent when Alberto Ontiveros-Sanchez, 55, attacked Abel Uribe, the man convicted of murdering his son-in-law. The incident occurred at the Maricopa County Superior Court following an emotional victim impact statement delivered by Sanchez.

According to defense counsel, Sanchez reacted after observing Uribe laughing and snickering at the remarks. Sanchez lunged toward the defense table, striking the handcuffed and leg-chained Uribe several times in the back of the head before court officers intervened. The outburst caused significant commotion, leading the judge to clear the courtroom and temporarily halt proceedings.

Uribe was appearing in court to be sentenced for the 2022 murder of David Navidad-Parra, a 27-year-old U.S. Army Captain. Investigators determined that Uribe robbed Navidad-Parra during a scheduled car test drive, after which the veteran was found shot dead. Uribe had previously pleaded guilty to the charges.