UPDATE: Victim's Parents React to Monrovia Man's Murder Sentence

A Monrovia teacher convicted of murder for killing an Arcadia man in 2008 was sentenced to 35 years to life in prison Tuesday, according to prosecutors.

Brandon Michael Landreth, a former John Muir High School teacher, in January to killing 25-year-old Justo Cesar Morales, of Arcadia, in what prosecutor Russell Moore called a "vicious murder." Landreth admitted to using a handgun in the killing, according to Moore.

Landreth killed Morales on on Mar. 30, 2008 after learning that Morales was in a relationship with his ex-wife, prosecutors said.

Authorities said he drove to Morales' home in the 2200 block of Canyon Road, parked his car a few houses away, then rode a skateboard to the house and knocked on the door. When Morales answered, Landreth opened fire, shooting Morales three times.

Morales' parents, Larry and Alicia Risdon have sought letters from family members, friends and neighbors who knew Cesar. These letters will become a permanent part of Landreth’s record and can be used by the parole board members at any parole hearing in the future.

At his sentencing today, Landreth spoke eloquently, promising to always remember and love his two young sons, who were in the back seat of Landreth’s car at the time of the murder.

About 40 supporters of Morales’ family attended the sentencing.

Speaking on behalf of the victim was his mother, his half-sister, Sharlene Risdon-Jackson, and his half-brother Bobby Risdon, who flew in for Denver for the sentencing.

Four friends of Morales’ also spoke. They were Keisch Wilson, Brad Berger, a neighbor, , and Candace Sanchez.

After the sentencing, family and friends gathered at the Glendora home of Sharlene Risdon-Jackson to once again express their love for Morales.

Larry Risdon, in a phone interview with Patch, said the family really appreciated the support shown to his stepson and the speeches made on his behalf.

Risdon added that they found Landreth’s speech offensive.

“He read it and it sounded like a piece of poetry,” Risdon said. “It was like he was trying to show how intelligent he is and how superior. It was a total waste of time on his part. He could have been more sincere and down to earth."

“The only redeeming part was when he expressed his love for his children.”

Correction: A previous version of this story identified Cesar Morales as a teacher at John Muir High School, when it is in fact Landreth who taught at the school. We regret the error.

Staff Writer Matt Burch contributed to this story.