Pedro Amaro expected to receive life in prison

The man convicted of murdering Clovis resident Kenneth Smith will receive a mandatory life sentence this morning in Ninth Judicial District Court.

According to Ninth Judicial District Attorney Brett Carter, state law requires Judge Steven Quinn to give Pedro Amaro, 27, of Clovis, a mandatory life sentence following his conviction on March 10 for first-degree murder in the 2001 incident.

Amaro will also be sentenced on nine other convictions: one count of robbery and two counts of burglary of a dwelling house, both third-degree felonies; three counts of tampering with evidence, one count of larceny of more than $250, and one count of receiving stolen property, all fourth-degree felonies; and misdemeanor arson of less than $100.

The sentencing will take place at 9 a.m. in the 9th Judicial District Court.