WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — Two local teens arrested for attempted murder in Springdale have been convicted and received sentences.
David Magana, 19, and Halee Valdez, 19, were arrested in 2022. Both were 17 years old at the time of their arrest but charged as adults.
Magana was charged with attempted capital murder, unlawful discharge of a firearm from a vehicle, terroristic act, and minor in possession of a handgun. Valdez was charged with attempted capital murder, unlawful discharge of a firearm from a vehicle, and terroristic act.
Benton County Prosecutor Joshua Robinson confirmed to 5NEWS that the pair pleaded guilty on Jan. 18. Magana was sentenced to 18 years in prison while Valdez was sentenced to 14 years.
Court documents say that on March 29, 2022, officers with the Springdale Police Department (SPD) were called to Silent Grove and Pump Station Roads after reports of gunshots in the area. Once on the scene, police found a total of 10 9MM spent casings in the area, but no signs of anyone needing help. The next morning, a victim called the department, explaining that he had been shot.
The victim told police that he was in the area to meet his friend, Valdez. He said the two were meeting to talk about a "date." However, when the victim was on the scene, he was met with Valdez and her boyfriend, Magana. The victim told police that they shot at him. His vehicle had 10 bullet holes in it, according to court documents.
Court documents say that police found out that the victim met Valdez on Snapchat and was talking to her for a few days. Valdez told the victim that "She was pregnant and currently taking a break from her boyfriend and father of her unborn child, Magana."
According to court records, the victim told police that when he pulled up next to Valdez's vehicle, Magana opened the passenger door and shot at him with a handgun. The victim began to drive away as bullets hit his driver's side window and door.
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