East LA man sentenced to 150 years to life for triple murder; victims families speak out in court

Saturday, August 23, 2025
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An East Los Angeles man was sentenced Friday to 150 years to life behind bars for fatally shooting two men and a woman in his neighborhood over a four-year period -- a killing spree prosecutors said was sparked by his belief the victims had disrespected him.

Anthony Velasquez, 35, was found guilty Wednesday of three counts of first-degree murder after a downtown Los Angeles jury deliberated about 5 1/2 hours.

Jurors also found true allegations that the defendant personally used a firearm in the Feb. 11, 2014, killing of Jesse Avalos; the July 6, 2015, slaying of Eduardo Robles; and the April 22, 2018, killing of Amanda Nicole Lopez.

Velasquez was sentenced Friday by Superior Court Judge Ronald Coen. Members of the victims' families spoke out in court.

"There is not one day that I don't think about my dad," says Emily Avalos. She and other family members of the victims had the chance to confront the convicted killer and tell him what he did to their lives



"I won't ever have my dad and daughter dance. I won't have my dad to walk me down the aisle," said Avalos.

The prosecution said the victims were targeted because Velasquez felt in one way or another they had disrespected him. In court Friday, he stared straight ahead and showed no emotion as the families spoke.

"You Anthony are and always will be nothing more than certified homicidal serial killer who has no heart and no conscience," said Rozelle Lopez, the mother of Amanda Lopez.

The judge sentenced Velasquez to one hundred fifty years to life in prison.

"I think he is nothing more, or I should say nothing less than a serial killer and he will be punished as such," said Coen.



Defense attorney Leslie Ann Boyce said there will be an appeal.

"I just want to clarify that Mr. Velazquez maintained his innocence throughout the investigation throughout trial and we have filed our notice of appeal today," said Boyce.

Emily Avalos said the long sentence made her happy but it was emotionally difficult for her.

"I feel guilty for feeling happy but now I know he won't hurt anyone anymore," says Avalos.

Family members said there will never be closure but they felt on Friday at least there was justice.

City News Service contributed to this report.

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