WATERBURY, Conn. — On Wednesday afternoon, Judge Brian Preleski sentenced Franklin Robinson, 40 of Naugatuck to 90 years in prison for the murder of Mabel Martinez, 56 of Waterbury.
"Satisfied, yes, satisfied," said Eulalia Feliciano, sister-in-law of Martinez.
Family members said they were satisfied with the judge's ruling, but it still would not bring Martinez back.
Robinson did not wish to be present in the courtroom during the sentencing. As he was being escorted out, he said out loud he had nothing to do with the shooting and stated, 'Rest in peace, Mabel."
"When he entered the courtroom, I honestly blocked him. I didn’t really want to look at him especially because he didn’t take accountability of what he did," added Feliciano.
Robinson was one of three people responsible for the death of Martinez.
Police said Robinson shot more than 20 rounds at a car because he was jealous of a man who said 'hi' to his girlfriend.
One of those bullets went through the head of Martinez as she worked on a project inside her home.
Her husband John Mercado said she died doing what she loved the most.
"It is in tragic irony that she lost her life in the place that she felt so secure. She loved to make arts and crafts. She lost her life while working on one of those projects," said Mercado.
Mabel's daughter, Yarimar Mercado was competing in the World Cup when she got the call.
"I was in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in a competition in the World Cup and when I received the call from my brother, I felt like I couldn’t breathe," said Yarimar Mercado.
Judge Preleski took into account Robinson's long criminal history with his plan to kill that very day.
"It’s outrageous conduct. I can’t describe it any other way. It’s not stupid. It’s intentional," said Judge Preleski.
Martinez's family also said they hope Robinson will think about Martinez in prison and his actions from that day.
Carmen Chau is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at cchau@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook and X.
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