PHOENIX — A defendant aged 40 has been sentenced for the murder of his brother in Phoenix two year ago.

Juan De Dios Cazares Lopez has been sentenced by Maricopa County Superior Court to death for shooting Martin Lopez, 49, on May 24, 2020.

According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the defendant stalked the victim’s sister and threatened to kill her family members.

Cazares Lopez drove past the victim’s home and fired gunshots, before driving off.

According to court records, the victim’s nephew came to his rescue after the shooting. Martin Lopez told his nephew, “Your aunt’s crazy boyfriend shot you,” referring specifically to Cazares Lopez.

Later, the defendant pleaded guilty one count each of second-degree murder as well as one count of stalking.

“The family of this man will always mourn his loss, and holding the person responsible is a step I hope will help them in the days and months ahead,” Rachel Mitchell, County Attorney, said in a statement.