Convicted murderer sentenced to 45 years
TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) – William Paz, the man convicted of murdering a man and dumping his body on U.S. 52 is sentenced to 45 years.
According to 24-Hour News 8 sister station, WLFI, a Tippecanoe County judge sentenced Paz to 45 years in the Department of Corrections.
He is required to serve 85 percent of that time and has already earned credit for 595 days.
Paz said he is going to appeal. He stood up in court Thursday and said he was innocent, still claiming Pop is the killer.
In February, a jury found Paz guilty of stabbing Primitivo Flores after several court testimonies including Paz himself.
Juan Pop, another man arrested in connection with the murder, testified against Paz. Pop said he saw Paz stab Flores multiple times on Christmas Eve in 2014.
Pop plead guilty to obstruction of justice admitting to helping Paz clean up after the murder.
All three men worked together at Teppanyaki Grill in Lafayette. Pop and Paz were roommates.
DNA evidence showed the victim’s blood on the outside and inside of Paz’s shoes, apartment and his car.
Before Thursday’s sentencing, Paz faced up to 65 years behind bars.
