Judge sentences Nathaniel Jouett to two life sentences

CLOVIS, NM (KFDA) - Nathaniel Jouett, the teen who pleaded guilty to the mass shooting at the Clovis-Carver Public Library in 2017, has been sentenced.

On Friday afternoon, Jouett was sentenced to two life sentences in prison with the possibility, but not guaranteed, for parole. For the remaining felonies, there is a consecutive sentence totaling 40 years.

The judge believes it will hold Jouett accountable for his actions and gives him the opportunity for release.

Judge James Hudson ruled that Jouett must continue health treatment and cannot initiate contact with any of the victims or their families.

After a three-day sentencing hearing, Judge Hudson announced that the court would recess until today so he had time to deliberate.

During the hearing, the courtroom heard from witnesses brought in by the state and the defense.

Victims gave emotional statements on Monday, along with other library employees. The daughters of Krissy Carter and Wanda Walters also spoke on how this tragedy has impacted their lives.

Several videos were played for the courtroom, including videos found on Jouett’s phone where he reveals his plans to commit a shooting and a video that his family compiled for the court to express how heartbroken they were for what happened.

Defense Attorney Stephen Taylor called a psychiatrist and therapist to the stand to discuss the mental health and adolescent development of Jouett, saying he had a traumatic past that’s negatively impacted him.

On the third day of the hearing, both the state and the defense delivered their closing statements.

The state described Jouett’s actions as senseless, saying that he has a pattern of acting violent when he doesn’t get his way.

On the other hand, the defense pleaded the judge to give him a chance to rehabilitate and become a productive member of society.

Jouett then gave a statement himself, apologizing to the court for what he’d done.

He addressed the judge, saying he didn’t understand the magnitude of the situation and that he wanted to be a better person.

You can watch the full statement from Jouett below:

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