Father-in-law of murder victim accused of attacking killer in court

PHOENIX (AZFamily/Gray News) - The father-in-law of an Army veteran who was killed in Phoenix in 2022 is accused of attacking the murder defendant in court.

Court documents say Alberto Sanchez, 55, was in court Wednesday to speak during the sentencing of Abel Uribe, who was set to change his plea to guilty in the murder of David Navidad-Parra.

Sanchez, the father-in-law of Navidad-Parra, addressed the court at the podium, and while walking back to his seat, he turned and attacked Uribe at the defense table, court video shows.

Police said Sanchez punched Uribe in the back of the head several times while Uribe was restrained with handcuffs and leg chains.

Sanchez’s attorney told a judge that Uribe was laughing after Sanchez spoke, which upset him.

Documents say Sanchez’s actions disrupted court proceedings, forcing the judge to pause the hearing and clear the courtroom.

“I am sympathetic with your situation, but you attacked somebody in a courtroom, and now you’re asking the court to be lenient on you,” the judge told Sanchez. “I personally can’t imagine the emotions that you must have been feeling today, but we cannot tolerate that kind of conduct in court.”

Sanchez will face charges of aggravated assault of a bound or restrained victim, fighting and interfering with a judicial proceeding. The judge said Wednesday he would be released on his own recognizance.

Veteran killed during vehicle sale

Police said Navidad-Parra had been reported missing after he met Uribe for a private car sale in December 2022. Investigators said Navidad-Parra was giving Uribe a test drive for the vehicle.

Navidad-Parra was found dead near 45th Avenue and McDowell Road. Meanwhile, the car was found burnt to a crisp more than 10 miles away near 91st Avenue and Rose Lane.

Investigators say Uribe also robbed Navidad-Parra. Court paperwork does not include a confession from Uribe, but he was arrested at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale after he allegedly tried to use Navidad-Parra’s credit card.

Uribe reportedly told investigators that he lit the car on fire by breaking open a gas line and using a cigarette to ignite the flames.

Uribe was in court Wednesday to enter a guilty plea to first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and other related charges.