Father punches handcuffed killer who 'laughed and snickered' while US Army captain's murder was sentenced

From the Newshound archive · first published 26 September 2026 · last updated 27 September 2026.

Alberto Ontiveros Sanchez, 55, charged at the defence table inside a Phoenix courtroom and struck Abel Uribe four to five times in the back of the head after watching him smirk during the sentencing for murdering his son-in-law. Uribe had just pleaded guilty to killing US Army Captain David Navidad-Parra, 27, who was shot dead during a private vehicle sale in 2022 and whose body was later found when Uribe tried to use his credit card. Sanchez was arrested on aggravated assault and other charges but released on his own recognizance after his lawyer told the court he has no prior criminal record.

Uribe was handcuffed and in leg restraints when Sanchez punched him repeatedly in the back of the head.

Sanchez's lawyer said he had lived legally in the US for over 30 years and is 'a model citizen for his entire life'.

Uribe was sentenced to life in prison plus 23 and a half years for murder, kidnapping and armed robbery.