MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) – The Yuba County District Attorney’s Office has put out a response after public outcry and dissatisfaction over the sentencing of the man responsible for the death of Michael Sanchez.

On June 20, 2020, William Henson, 35, of Marysville, inadvertently killed Sanchez, 44, while attempting to flee from a dispute at a motel in East Linda. Henson reportedly shot at a woman sitting in her car who received non-life threatening injuries. As Henson fled from the scene at speeds of 80 mph, his vehicle struck Sanchez who had stopped for a red light on his motorcycle.

Sanchez was a beloved family man and prominent member of the community, known for his amazing photography skills utilized by the Marysville Gold Sox Baseball Team as their team photographer.

On February 19^th, Yuba County Superior Court Judge Benjamin Z. Westchester sentenced Henson to 4 years for his involvement in the shooting and 15 years-to-life in State prison for the second-degree murder of Sanchez, with no parole until after 15 years served. Regarding the verdict, Clint Curry, Yuba County District Attorney said, “I pray that those who mourn will find peace. I also hope we have brought a modicum of justice, encouraging Mr. Henson and others who are living lawlessly to chart new lives after reflecting on the heartbreak caused by his reckless disregard for human life and the consequences of his behavior.”

While some found the sentencing just, others in the court of public opinion continued to express their dissatisfaction over the verdict on social media, saying 15 years’ incarceration was not enough. In a response to the public on Facebook, the District Attorney desired to remind the public that:

“Mr. Henson received the maximum sentence under the law for second degree murder - 15 to Life. For those who believe the maximum is too low, you should reach out to the public safety committee for the state assembly to get the law changed.

Every case is different and the details are important. Cases are not tried on Facebook. They are tried in a court of law with rules of evidence. The cases also involve real people. Plea bargaining is done based on the law and admissible evidence, with input from the victims, by professional attorneys who have a passion for justice.

Henson did receive a discount of a few years on his other charges in return for admitting what he did and bringing closure to this process for the grieving family.

I am proud of my office, the men and women from the Yuba County Sheriff's Department and Highway Patrol who investigated the case, and the survivors who walked through this process with us.”