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COLUMBUS — Judge William D. Old III levied a heavy penalty in the trial of State V. Jose “Joey” Casanova for Casanova’s role in the murder of Columbus resident Keaton Hancock; the now convicted felon was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday, April 11.
Casanova’s conviction came as a line of convictions and sentences that resulted from an incident resulting in the deaths of Hancock and Jonathon Segura. Casanova was part of the group that murdered Hancock, inciting the retaliatory violence that followed.
In regard to the double murder, the sentence issued against Casanova is the heftiest penalty withstood by members of either alleged party so far. This could potentially set a precedent as several other trials related to the incident are pending their next step.
So far, Dontrae Johnson has been the only other person convicted and sentenced for his role in the double murder. Johnson was connected with the group that discharged firearms at a residence, resulting in the death of Segura. The court found Johnson guilty, and he was sentenced to a 12year stint in prison for a 2nd degree felony.
Dante Stevens and Daegan Mendoza the two others involved with Segura’s death, also have pending trial dates. Mendoza has been convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and deadly conduct with a firearm. Mendoza’s sentencing date will be May 20 at the Colorado County Courthouse.
Stevens is in the midst of the legal battle surrounding a murder charge, similar to the Casanova case. His trial begins July 15.
Cairo Ruvalcaba’s trial has been pushed back to April 25 from its initial date on March 27. Ethan Dulany will begin his trial on Aug. 26. The two were allegedly involved in the murder of Hancock.
Details surrounding the double murder will continue to emerge as investigators and prosecutors have withheld sensitive information that may be used in the upcoming legal proceedings.
