Houston-area teenager sentenced to 20 years for fatal stabbing last year at high school
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Houston-area teenager was sentenced Friday to 20 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of another teen during a high school cafeteria fight last year that also left three others injured.
A Harris County jury imposed the sentence against Luis Alfaro, hours after finding him guilty of manslaughter in the death of 17-year-old Joshua Broussard. The two had fought during a brawl last September at Spring High School.
Broussard was stabbed multiple times and bled to death minutes later.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Jurors had the option of convicting Alfaro of the more serious offense of murder, which could have resulted in a life sentence.
Sheriff's investigators have blamed gang rivalry for the fight and say an altercation the day before prompted the melee Sept. 4 at the school north of Houston.
Defense attorney Milan Marinkovich had argued video footage showed Alfaro, who was 17 when the stabbing occurred, didn't have enough time to inflict fatal wounds.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}School officials temporarily imposed tightened security in the aftermath of the fight. The school used portable metal detectors and hand-held wand security devices to screen people. Also, students had to carry their stuff in clear backpacks or zip-lock bags.