HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 31-year-old Hutchinson man who entered a plea to a reduced charge of conspiracy to commit aggravated battery was sentenced Friday to nearly three and half years in prison.
John Cantu entered the plea avoiding a jury trial on a more serious charge of attempted first degree murder.
The case against Cantu involves six men going to the home of Jeffrey Payne back on February 18, 2013, forcing their way into his home and beating, then stabbing him 23 times. Payne nearly died from his wounds.
The defense wanted a departure because of his limited role in the case, while the state wanted that denied and wanted the aggravated sentence. Cantu has 35 prior convictions and Judge Tim Chambers couldn’t find any substantial and compelling reason to depart, but ordered 43 months instead of what the state requested.
All but one have now been sentenced in this case. Jordon LeShore was recently sentenced to six years in prison, while his brother, Joseph LeShore was sentenced to 8 years, 3 months, Troy Bell was sentenced to four and a half years, and Desmund Cantu is serving 7 years. None of these men received any type of probation.
The only one left with his case pending is Sean Arevalo-Mendoza, who is believed to have played a minor role in the attack.