BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A man and woman convicted of murder in a fatal shooting at a Bakersfield gas station were sentenced Wednesday to life terms in prison, the judge rejecting defense attorneys’ argument for a lesser term and determining both defendants posed a serious danger to society.
Joseph Barker, 22, and Erica Gonzalez, 27, were each sentenced to more than 40 years to life for killing 24-year-old Angel Bowdey during an altercation at the On the Go gas station on River Boulevard.
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Before sentencing, several members of Bowdey’s family spoke with emotion about their loss. Bowdey’s mother, Lawanna Lockhart, said she needs to work constantly to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Lockhart said she forgives, but hopes Barker and Gonzalez spend the rest of their lives behind bars.
A four-minute PowerPoint presentation showed dozens of photos and videos of Bowdey at different points in her life. In some, she danced with family. Other videos showed her strutting in heels and laughing, and flying a kite.