The man who shot and killed a person during a fight because he loved his dog was sentenced to 20 years in prison

SAN ANTONIO – Jordan Eaton was sentenced to 20 years in prison for fatally shooting a man over a dog petting incident.

The jury convicted Eaton on Tuesday. the day after he was found guilty murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The 10-year prison sentence for aggravated assault was suspended.

A judge ordered community supervision for the 21-year-old, which will last up to a consecutive 20-year sentence.

A dozen of Eaton’s family members and friends urged the jury for leniency, saying he deserved a second chance.

Eaton fatally shot Valentin Gonzales during an argument in December 2022 and also shot at Gonzales’ wife, Brittany, authorities said.

Eaton approached Brittany to discuss his concerns about her mother and dog, but the conversation turned into a deadly confrontation.

Cell phone footage showed one of Eaton’s dogs approaching Brittany, prompting Eaton to shoot at her before fighting with her husband, ultimately shooting him twice.

During the sentencing phase, family members painted a picture of Eaton as a kind and caring individual.

“He was very kind, friendly and warm since he was little,” his aunt testified.

A friend described Eaton as a “solid guy” and “a stand-up guy.”

Eaton’s parents acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and expressed their condolences to the Gonzales family.

“I know it’s an unfortunate situation and I apologize to the family, but he’s a good person and a good person,” Eaton’s mother, Stell Flores, said.

His father, Joshua Eaton, expressed his regret and said, “I wish I could switch places with Valentin so that my son could have the chance to live.”

“No one wins in this situation,” Joshua Eaton said, summarizing the sentiments everyone shared.