Stafford, VA: Man convicted in wife's death Stafford resident shot and killed his wife in front of their son.

Date published: 12/8/2009

BY KEITH EPPS

A Stafford man who shot and killed his wife in front of their son pleaded guilty today to first-degree murder.

Francisco Escobar, 46, entered the plea in Stafford Circuit Court just before a scheduled three-day jury trial was about to start.

He was also convicted of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. Prosecutors Michael Hardiman and Lori DiGiosia dropped three other charges.

Alva Escobar, 42, was shot at least three times Feb. 20 while sitting in a vehicle in her driveway at 33 Rubins Walk in southern Stafford.

Escobar will be sentenced June 22. He is facing a maximum penalty of life plus three years in prison.

Escobar asked Judge Charles Sharp to sentence him today, but Sharp instead ordered a pre-sentence report.

Keith Epps: 540/374-5404
kepps@freelancestar.com