Dameon Marmolejo, 21, was sentenced to 15 years in prison Thursday after he pleaded guilty to beating his ex-girlfriend. Solidad Torres said Marmolejo hit her because she downloaded the app Snapchat.
“We’re glad we are here and survived, so we can tell our stories,” Torres said.
Judge John “Trey” J. McClendon said he was disgusted by Marmolejo’s actions against not only Torres, but also Josie Morales.
Morales testified and said Marmolejo abused her when they were in a relationship that began in 2016.
“To have the judge notice that and say that we were treated like animals, not human beings, it was nice for them to see our perspective. It’s a little better. Not everyone has been in an abusive relationship,” Torres said.
Judge McClendon said Marmolejo did not receive the maximum sentence of 20 years because of his age and he took some responsibility for what happened.
“It wasn’t the max sentence, but we got justice,” Torres said.
Marmolejo will be eligible for parole after serving half of his sentence because there was a deadly weapon involved, the judge ruled.
McClendon also called it an act of family violence. As a result, if Marmolejo commits a similar crime after he is released, he will be charged with a first-degree felony.
Torres said she and Morales will be working to help other women in abusive relationships.
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