BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A former Dollar Tree employee who pleaded no contest to fatally stabbing a shoplifter was sentenced Wednesday at a hearing in which the victim’s family decried his plea deal and called him a murderer.
Dylan Matthew Franco, 22, received a four-year prison term. His sentencing took place in front of dozens of people, some there for him, others for Aaron Delgado, 36, the man he killed.
Originally charged with murder, Franco pleaded no contest last month to involuntary manslaughter.
Prosecutors have said a substantial factor in resolving the case was Delgado’s being armed with a knife when Franco confronted him outside the Columbus Street store.
Autumn Paine, Franco’s public defender, has said her client acted in self-defense but decided to plead no contest instead of risking the possibility of a 26-years-to-life sentence if convicted at trial.