Salem man sentenced to life in prison for murder of ex-girlfriend

A Salem man will spend the rest of his life in prison for murdering his 20-year-old ex-girlfriend.

Marion County Judge Courtland Geyer sentenced Cristian Acosta, 24, Wednesday to life without the possibility of parole for killing Lucia Pamatz.

He already was on probation for assaulting Pamatz, who had a restraining order against him, when he broke into her home on the 2500 block of Hyde Court SE in September 2016.

Pamatz called 911, but as the dispatcher listened to her beg Acosta for her life, he shot her twice, execution style.

By the time police arrived, she was dead. Acosta fled Oregon and was arrested trying to cross the Canadian border.

In September, one year after her death, he pleaded guilty to murdering Pamatz.

His attorneys spent the morning arguing for a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 30 years.

There was no doubt the crime was heinous, defense attorney Spencer Todd said. But 30 years in prison could a have a positive impact on him, he said.

"We cannot know what kind of person he will be in 30 years," Todd said.

Acosta did not have a plea deal on the table when he decided to plead guilty to aggravated in murder in September, he said. Aggravated murder carries a life sentence without parole unless mitigating circumstances like age, emotional distress and mental incapacity are proven.

Todd said Acosta has shown regret and taken responsibility by pleading guilty.

After remaining silent during much of his hearings since his arrest, Acosta turned and addressed the victim's family.

"I did love Lucia Pamatz," he said.

They talked about starting a family, he said, looked at wedding rings and got matching tattoos.

"Talking about Lucia hurts because I know I'll never see her again," Acosta said. "That hurts me more than anything."

His words were cut short as the sobs of Pamatz's mother filled the room. Geyer ordered an early break.

After the break, Pamatz's mother, Sonia Campos, remained outside while Acosta finished addressing the court.

Acosta said he was in a rage the day of the murder and out of his mind when he broke into Pamatz's home and shot her.

He apologized to Pamatz's siblings and relatives.

"I wanted to be part of your family, I really did," he said.

He said he also let down his own family. Acosta thanked his attorneys and investigators and apologized to the 911 dispatcher and responding officers.

"Nothing can be undone," he said, adding, "I'm committed to being a better man."

His mother, Zulema Acosta, said her son, the oldest of three boys, was a smiling, happy kid and a bright teen who helped her out at work.

He brought Pamatz to family dinners and gatherings and introduced her to his mother. Although Zulema Acosta frequently saw them arguing and knew they had a rocky relationship, she said she never witnessed any physical abuse.

When police told her Pamatz was murdered, she refused to believe it.

"In my heart, I didn't want to believe he had done that," she said through an interpreter.

Zulema Acosta said her son had a good heart and made a "poor decision."

"I am so sorry for Lucia's family," she said. "He loved Lucia, and Lucia loved him."

Acosta spent most of the hearing with his head forward and hands folded, his face betraying little emotion. But when his aunt talked about Acosta's loving relationship with her son, he broke down in tears.

Todd said that although Acosta was not a juvenile at the time of the murder, his brain was possibly not fully developed, and he was prone to making irrational, impulsive decisions.

The defense called Dr. Kristen Mackiewicz Seghete as an expert witness on brain development.

Mackiewicz Seghete, a licensed psychologist and assistant professor at Oregon Health and Science University, said different parts of the brain develop at different rates. This means the portion of the brain responsible for decision making and control might not be developed into someone is well into their 20s.

During the cross-examination, prosecutor Jennifer Gardiner questioned Mackiewicz Seghete whether behaviors like stalking, repeated sexual assault and controlling, abusive relationships were specific to brain development. The doctor replied that they were not.

Previous: 'This has left us destroyed': Mother of slain Salem woman testifies

Gardiner said Pamatz's murder involved extensive planning and cruelty and was not spontaneous.

"The 911 call tells us everything we need to know," she said.

Acosta broke into her home and fired several shots into the bathroom where Pamatz was hiding. By some miracle, she wasn't hit, Gardiner said.

When Acosta opened the door, "that was his moment for grace, that was his moment for mercy," she said.

Instead, he ignored Pamatz's pleas and shot her twice at close range.

His past actions showed a repeated history of physical and sexual abuse, Gardiner said. Even after his arrest, he threatened his then-girlfriend for telling police that he fled to Canada.

Related: Will a Salem woman's killer be sentenced to life in prison?

Before delivering his sentence, Geyer said the healing process for everyone involved was going to be a long process. He told Acosta to be thankful for his family's support.

He said the facts of Pamatz's brutal murder and witnesses' credible testimony supported a life sentence without parole.

After the sentencing, Pamatz's family quietly filtered out of the courtroom. Acosta's family followed.

Once outside, Acosta's parents stopped to talk to Pamatz's mother. The two mothers cried and hugged before parting ways.

For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodwort@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-399-6884 or follow on Twitter @wmwoodworth

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