Green sentenced to 45 years in Diaz murder

Fabian Green was found guilty in the 2016 slaying of Edwin Diaz-Chirinos Friday afternoon and sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Green received 45 years for murder and 10 years for desecration of human remains to be served concurrently.

The jury deliberated for about four hours before handing 8th Circuit Court Judge Donald B. Hocker the guilty verdict after four days of testimony.

Before sentencing, the court heard from Edwin Diaz, Sr., the victim’s father.

“I know that nothing or no one can give me my son back, but I’m happy that justice was done,” Diaz, Sr., said through an interpreter.

Green, 20, maintained his innocence, saying that despite the evidence presented by the prosecution, he did not kill Diaz-Chirinos, who was 17 at the time of his death on May 8, 2016.

Hocker said he took Green’s age into consideration when deciding on an appropriate sentence.

“If you were an older person, I would give you life in prison without parole,” Hocker said.

Two others are expected to stand trial in the Diaz’s killing. Davian Holman and Karina Galarza also face murder charges.

Read Wednesday’s Laurens County Advertiser for full details.