Uncle gets 50 years to life for murder hours after nephew's jail release

FRESNO, Calif. -- There was an emotional courtroom confrontation involving a Fresno woman and the uncle convicted of killing her brother.

Robert Lopez, 70, was sentenced on Monday to 50 years to life in prison for fatally shooting his nephew, Michael. Lopez did not speak in court despite heated and harsh words from his own family.

Family members say Michael Lopez wasn't safe in the very place he should have been -- his mother's home. On Monday, his uncle was called a spineless coward who wasn't a man, when he shot his nephew to death.

Nora Lopez has waited a long time to confront her uncle. He shot her brother to death in 2012 in their mother's Parlier apartment.

"You shot him four times, not one time, four times, and one in the back and one in the palm," Nora Lopez said. "He didn't want to die. He did not want to die."

Robert Lopez claimed he was threatened by his nephew, Michael, who had just been released from the Fresno County Jail hours before he was killed. According to court testimony, Michael was a gang member who had long criminal past. His family says he was different at home.

"He had his struggles, downfalls, and his own personal demons, but I guarantee you this -- he was not a low life loser scumbag as you portrayed him to be. He loved his family. I'm sure he even loved you," said Annette Barocio, the victim's cousin.

The only person who spoke on behalf of Robert Lopez was his daughter, who asked the judge for leniency, especially considering he is 70 years old and has declining health.

"I ask for your compassion, due to my father's advanced age, his poor health and his lack of criminal history," said Tabitha Lopez, Robert Lopez's daughter.

Lopez looked at each of the people who addressed him, but did not have any reaction. The judge did not allow Action News to photograph his face because Lopez is concerned about gang retaliation in prison.

"I used to wonder do you feel bad or do you have any remorse for any of this, and when I sat here on the first day of trial and you gave me that big huge smile, I knew exactly how you felt, exactly," said Nora Lopez.

Robert Lopez has claimed he will only live a few short years. On Monday, Michael's sister and cousin told him they hope he has a long miserable life behind the cold walls of prison.