Plea Deal Reached: New Orleans Man, Martin Hurtado Faces 40 Years in Prison For Beating An Elderly Man To Death

A man from New Orleans who faced murder charges for a brutal attack on an elderly man has reached a plea deal. Martin Hurtado, 30, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and agreed to a maximum 40-year prison sentence. 

He had originally faced a second-degree murder charge.

The plea deal was accepted from Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams' office regarding the death of 75-year-old David Sorenson on December 1, 2022. 

This resolution, while resulting in a substantial prison sentence, also spares Mr. Sorenson's family from the emotional strain of a trial.

Hurtado's sentencing is scheduled for October 6, 2023, as per online court records. 

The incident occurred on December 1, 2022, when police responded to a disturbance at the Avenue Plaza Hotel in the New Orleans Garden District. Sorenson's wife reported that an unknown man, later identified as Hurtado, entered their room and assaulted her husband. She managed to escape and call for help.

Upon arrival, the police found Sorenson injured, with Hurtado still in the room. Sorenson was taken to the hospital but tragically passed away from blunt-force trauma injuries.

During questioning, Hurtado claimed to have no memory beyond 6 p.m. when he was at a nearby restaurant. The victim's family was involved in the legal process and approved the 40-year sentence.

District Attorney Williams emphasized the importance of public safety and the commitment to preventing senseless loss of life in the community.

 

In another news, outraged members of the Impendle community in South Africa'are speaking up against the alarming increase in rape cases in their area. Their concern arises following a disturbing incident where a 31-year-old man was charged with raping his fiancée's 8-year-old daughter. See detailed story here.

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