New Mexico man gets 20 years for 2 fatal shootings

LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to shooting and killing two people. The Las Vegas Optic reports (http://bit.ly/2guAWyS ) that 46-year-old Donald Valdez was sentenced Monday to the maximum amount allowed under his plea agreement with prosecutors. Prosecutors say Valdez fatally shot Fred Montoya and Bernadine Garcia inside a mobile home in Cleveland after an argument in October 2015. Amanda Miera was also shot in the left shoulder and survived. District Judge Matthew Sandoval also ordered Valdez to serve a minimum of 16 1/2 years before he can be considered for release. Valdez will be given credit for the 13 months he has spent behind bars at the San Miguel county Detention Center.