Two more suspects in a double murder case from 2018 have pleaded guilty.
Lazaro Moran, 35, of New Jersey, and Lindettia Lowery, 36, of Fairfield, entered their guilty pleas Friday in the slayings of Hernan Antonio Padilla and Allen Clifford Sandlin in west Alabama, 24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Andy Hamlin.
Moran will serve two life sentences, and Lowery will serve two concurrent 25-year sentences.
Michael Even Council pleaded guilty in July and is serving two life sentences.
Michael Evan Council (Contributed)
Padilla, 55, and Sandlin, 56, were found shot to death at Padilla’s home outside Carbon Hill on May 1, 2018.
Someone called 911 about 7:30 a.m. that Tuesday asking for help at the County Highway 63 home in the Studdards Crossroads community, which is near the Walker County line. When lawmen arrived on the scene, they found the two victims dead inside.
An extensive investigation led to capital murder charges against the suspects. Charges against Brandon Dewayne Lowery and Brittany Bell-Spates are still pending.
The initial charges were capital because the killings happened during a robbery.
“I’m pleased we were able to put two more violent offenders in prison for this heinous crime,” Hamlin said. “We will continue to work until all five of those responsible face justice.”
Allen Sandlin (Contributed)
Sandlin’s daughter, Katie, spoke with AL.com in 2019. She said Padilla had just moved to town and his home needed renovations. Sandlin was the at the home doing construction for Padilla when the men were killed.
“I know a lot of people say this, but he was at the wrong place at the wrong time,’’ she said.
“I don’t think anybody that knew my dad will ever forget him,’’ Katie said. “As my cousin said, my dad had the ability to make an ordinary day extraordinary.”
“He had a heart for people,’’ she said, “regardless of their situation.”
The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. The New Jersey State Police assisted with locating and taking the suspects into custody.
