Convicted murderer sentenced to 20 years

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TUCSON, AZ - A Tucson man, convicted twice for murder, was sentenced today to 20 years in prison.

Vernon Bullock was convicted, and sentenced in 2006, for the death of 25 year old Francisco "Frank" Arriaga. Arriaga was shot and killed in June 2005, outside a midtown bar.

Today in court, Bullock apologized to Arriaga's family. Arriaga's mother, Virginia, told News4 she is disappointed with the sentencing. She wanted Bullock to serve more time for the crime.

Virginia says Bullock was on parole when he shot her son. She tells News4, the family is fearful of retaliation when he gets out.

But the state appellate court overturned the 2006 conviction. Bullock was retried and convicted again, earlier this year. He will serve 16 years due to time he's already served behind bars.


The Arriaga's family would like to thank Homicide Survivors and Compassionate Friends for seeing them through this tragedy.

Frank's brother, Ben, also says thanks to the people who came forward with the critical information needed to arrest Bullock.