LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A decide sentenced a lady to a minimal of 16 years in jail for killing a carpet cleaner in a random act of violence.
Kayla Alery, 28, stood handcuffed in court docket and requested for mercy from Clark County District Court docket Decide Tierra Jones earlier than being sentenced for the homicide of 41-year-old Raul Cardoza.
“It was a very random act against somebody who was going to work. And this is a tragic situation all the way around,” Decide Jones stated.
Earlier than Jones learn her choice, she heard from Clark County Deputy District Lawyer Kassandra Acosta.
“Raul was in his car, minding his own business. He did not put himself in harm’s way. He did not provoke this attack,” Acosta stated.
Cardoza was working at an condominium complicated close to Fort Apache and Twain on March 26, 2024, when Alery shot him.
A rideshare driver’s sprint cam captured the taking pictures. Alery fled from the scene, however was later noticed by a Las Vegas Metro Police Division helicopter.
Final month, Alery pleaded responsible however mentally sick to second-degree homicide with the usage of a lethal weapon.
In court docket on Thursday, Alery apologized to Cardoza’s household and requested the decide for mercy as a consequence of her previous drug use and being schizophrenic.
“I don’t want to be locked away for life, for 18 years. I want to be able to attend AA meetings and to change my life,” Alery stated.
Alery’s lawyer stated she was raped at 13 years outdated, then intercourse trafficked. Arduous experiences which will clarify her actions, however did little to carry peace to Cardoza’s household.
“Since losing him, every single day feels heavy. I will never hear his laugh again. Never feel his hugs. Never call him when I hear his advice,” Ingri Cardoza, the sufferer’s daughter, stated.
Upon listening to these phrases, Decide Jones sentenced Alery to 120 months to life for second-degree homicide and 72 months to 180 months for the lethal weapon enhancement. The sentences run consecutively.
“I can just hope that you will be given the mental health treatment that you need,” Jones stated.
Jones additionally ordered Alery to pay Raul Cardoza’s household $16,205 in funeral prices as restitution.
