Louie Sanchez pleaded guilty to felony mayhem and was sentenced to eight years in state prison. But with time served and good behavior, the 31-year-old could be out in four years. Once released, he will be on parole and cannot possess, own or use a firearm.
Marvin Norwood pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of assault by means likely to cause great bodily harm and was sentenced to four years in custody. His credit for time already in custody appeared to account for at least the majority of that term. The 32-year-old won't face any more time in state prison.
But even with the plea deal, Sanchez and Norwood will still face weapons charges in a federal court, which carry an additional 5 1/2 years in prison. As a result, Norwood will not go free Thursday.
"He will be transferred from the county jail to the Metropolitan Detention Center, the federal side," attorney Daniel Nardoni said.
Stow, a 45-year-old paramedic from Santa Cruz, was attacked in the Dodger Stadium parking lot by two men wearing Dodgers clothing on opening night, March 31, 2011. Stow suffered a fractured skull and brain damage. The beating left Stow permanently disabled, requiring 24-hours-a-day care.
Sanchez admitted in his guilty plea that he was the primary attacker. Investigators say Norwood first tried to restrain Sanchez, but then joined in.
Before the sentencing, Judge George Lomeli spoke sternly to Sanchez and Norwood, calling their actions unspeakable.
"Not only did you blindside Mr. Stow, and once he was on the ground, and from what I know of the facts and evidence presented at the preliminary hearing, it was obvious that he was incapacitated. But yet you continued to hit him on the head and kick him in the head," Lomeli said.
The judge added that Sanchez appeared smug and didn't seem remorseful for his actions. Lomeli also said the two men were the biggest nightmares for anyone who went to concerts or games.
The judge said he often takes his son to football games and "my biggest fear is that we might run into people like you, who have no civility."
He concluded, "it's only a game at the end of the day and you lost perspective."
Emotions ran high as Stow's family members delivered victim impact statements.
"What you both did late in the evening in the dark at Dodger Stadium was cowardly," said Stow's father, David Stow.
Bryan Stow's sister Maggie told the men their sentences were not long enough in comparison to what her brother continues to go through.
"You get to live your life as you choose. Bryan did not choose this. No sentencing you receive will ever be long enough. Eventually, you'll be released. Bryan's sentence is a life time," said Maggie Stow.
Another one of Stow's sisters spoke directly to Sanchez and Norwood.
"As men, are you proud of yourselves? And as fathers, are you proud of yourselves? Being here, I hoped to see one tiny bit of remorse in order to not think you both are that despicable. But I don't," said Erin Collins.
Last spring, Stow returned home after two years in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. His family said he requires constant physical therapy and remains severely disabled.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
