Convicted Murderer Receives Two Life Sentences

A Springdale man is convicted of murder this afternoon and sentenced to two life terms. 24- year old Fernando Navarro sat in the Washington county courthouse listening to the jury convict him in the killing of 41-year old musician, David Edwards. The courtroom was full of mixed emotions, but as the defendant Fernando Navarro heard his life sentence, he gasped and put his head in his hands. Joyce Hollman, sister of victim David Edwards, reacted to the jurys decision to reduce the charge of capital murder to first degree, "Our family is sort of a religious family and believe there has been enough death here. Mr. Navarro will pay for his sins and his crimes." David Edwards was brutally murdered in his Springdale home in 2004. Today the jury convicted Fernando Navarro on four charges ranging from first degree murder to theft of property. Two of the charges resulted in life sentences. Navarro family friend Bobbi Yates spoke about the verdict, "I dont want to say I dont want him punished for doing the wrong thing, but two life sentences, thats a lot on a 24-year old person." The victims family says only time will heal their pain, but they know how David would feel. Hollman said, "He would be the first one to forgive Navarro and Chavez for what they`ve done." 19-year old Michael Chavez already pled guilty to first degree murder for his part he played. During this trial he took the stand testifying against Fernando Navarro. Fernando Navarro will serve his life sentences at the Arkansas Department of Corrections.