SAN ANTONIO — The punishment phase is set to begin on Monday for the couple at the center of a deadly dog attack.
Last month, Christian Moreno and Abilene Schneider pleaded guilty in the mauling of their 81-year-old neighbor.
The duo took a plea deal in the 2023 attack and now a judge will hear arguments and decide how much time they could spend behind bars.
If the prosecution gets their way, Christian Moreno and Abilene Schneider will get the maximum punishment, which is 20 years in prison, and a $10,000 dollar fine. But attorneys for the couple believe their clients should only get probation.
This is the latest hearing in the case for the duo whose two dogs attacked and killed 81-year-old Ramon Najera in February of 2023. His wife Juanita was also injured in the attack but survived.
She was at the most recent hearing where Moreno and Schneider suddenly pleaded guilty to charges of dog attack resulting in death and avoiding trial.
Monday at 9 a.m., a sentencing hearing will begin and testimony is expected to last all week.
Then their punishment is set to be decided on September 20. During this phase, we are told the couple will get a chance to speak directly with the victim’s wife. And even share letters of remorse which they will get a moment to read in court.
We will keep you updated on what happens.