ALAMOSA – Rondell Brown, 26, of Greeley, appeared in person in Costilla County court on Thursday in connection with the shooting death of Jesus Martin Lozano on Aug. 13, 2022.

As part of a resolution reached by defense counsel and the state, Brown pleaded guilty to second-degree assault with a deadly weapon, an extraordinary risk crime of violence class 4 felony, and reckless manslaughter, also a class 4 felony.

Brown also pleaded guilty to felony menacing with a deadly weapon, a class 5 felony, in connection with Kimberly Sears, Lozano’s fiancé, and her adult son, Daniel. 

As part of the resolution, Brown acknowledged that sentencing would be to the Department of Corrections (DOC), which removes Community Corrections or probation as options.

When explaining to the court the agreement reached in the resolution, Rob Shapiro, counsel for the prosecution, stated that Brown acknowledges the maximum sentence for the class 5 felony is six years, 12 years for the class 4 felony, and, related to the charge assault with a deadly weapon, a sentencing range of five to 16 years, all of which will be spent in DOC.  

As part of the agreement, Brown agreed that the sentences for the assault charge and the manslaughter charge will be consecutive, meaning one sentence will be served followed by the other, as opposed to both sentences being served at the same time. 

With all those provisions agreed to, Brown is looking at a sentence that is a minimum of five years and a maximum of 34 years in prison.

Brown further agreed to pay restitution for expenses such as the funeral for Lozano and medical expenses paid out by the family, provided the expenses are backed up with documentation.

Sears, her son, and a third individual, who was a witness to the crime, will receive mandatory criminal protection, which prohibits any contact with Brown.

“Aggravating” factors that could impact the sentencing were also brought up. Brown does not have a criminal history but, according to the plea deal, the prosecution will be allowed to present facts from Brown’s previous history during sentencing that the court may rule as aggravating, which would allow the court the option to sentence beyond the presumptive range. 

Chief District Judge Michael Gonzales, presiding, reviewed with Brown the agreements in the resolution, making certain several times that he understood the implications of the class 4 felonies being served consecutively. 

“Do you understand what I’m saying?” Gonzales asked.

“I do, your honor,” Brown answered. “It’s my decision and my life.”

Judge Gonzales set the sentencing hearing for May 23 to be held in Alamosa court.