SAN JOSE, Calif. – A man convicted of the killing of a Safeway clerk in San Jose has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. The incident occurred during an overnight shift in June 2022 when Tevita Tuakalau attempted to steal a bottle of liquor and was confronted by the clerk, Manny Huizar. The judge noted that what began as a fist fight should have ended as such, and both families were emotional during the sentencing hearing.
Huizar, who was working his way through college as a Safeway clerk, was killed by Tuakalau, who was 18 at the time. The victim’s family expressed their profound grief, with Huizar’s brother, Guillermo Huizar Cornejo, emphasizing the deep impact of the loss. The prosecutor also praised Huizar’s dedication to education and hard work, describing him as an incredible young man who tragically lost his life.
Tuakalau’s family and the victim’s family both addressed the court, with Huizar’s parents also speaking out, while Tuakalau’s family cried openly. Tuakalau’s aunt and grandmother appealed for forgiveness from Huizar’s family, a gesture appreciated by Cornejo. The judge also highlighted Tuakalau’s intoxication at the time of the murder and his history of childhood trauma due to an abusive father.
The sentencing revealed the devastating consequences of a violent altercation that resulted in the tragic loss of a young man’s life. The victim’s family and the perpetrator’s family were both deeply affected by the events, underscoring the far-reaching impact of such a senseless act. The court’s decision reflects the severity of the crime, signaling that justice has been served in this tragic case.