Character witnesses testify in Astorga sentencing phase
We were in the courtroom Wednesday as both sides presented character witnesses in the sentencing phase of the trial of convicted deputy-killer Michael Astorga.
Astorga faces the death penalty or life in prison for murdering Bernalillo County Sheriff Deputy James McGrane in 2006.
First, McGrane’s mother, father and siblings testified about the lasting pain caused by the loss of McGrane.
Later, during the defense portion of the testimony, Astorga’s wife and other family members talked about his early life and schooling.
Astorga’s wife, Marcella, gave tearful accounts of Astorga’s interaction with his children from prison. Rosemary Astorga, his former step-mother, told the jury about her involvement in his early years of life.
