Courtroom hears testimony from victims during first day of Nathaniel Jouett sentencing

CLOVIS, NM (KFDA) - A sentencing hearing began today for 17-year-old Nathaniel Jouett, the Clovis teenager who pleaded guilty to the mass shooting at the Clovis-Carver Public Library.

In August of 2017, Jouett entered the Clovis-Carver Public Library and opened fire, killing two and wounding four others.

The victims, 61-year-old Wanda Walters and 48-year-old Kristina “Krissie” Carter, both worked at the library.

Noah Molina, Alexis Molina, Howard Jones and Jessica Thron all recovered from their wounds.

Related: Turning the page: One year after the Clovis library mass shooting

Jouett entered a guilty plea and a motion was filed in October for an amenability hearing to see if Jouett would benefit from treatment. A judge denied that motion.

During today’s sentencing, the courtroom watched surveillance video of the incident unfold at the library, as well as three videos found on Jouett’s phone where he reveals his plans to commit a shooting. In those videos, he sites bullying, anger and mental health issues as his reasons why.

The courtroom also heard from different law enforcement officers who described the crime scene and aftermath of that day.

Howard Jones, Jessica Thron and Alexis Molina gave emotional victim statements today, along with other library employees. The courtroom also heard from the daughters of Krissy Carter and Wanda Walters who talked about how the death of their mothers has impacted their lives.

Jouett faces a sentence totalling 96 years for the lives of Krissy Carter, Wanda Walters and others affected.

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