Judge Delays Sentencing for Murder Defendant

Over the objection of prosecutor Kimberly Smith, Judge Brian Hill delayed the sentencing of Robert Ibarra, convicted in June of first degree murder for the 2004 stabbing death of Elias Silva in Goleta, until 12/12. Ibarra, facing life in prison without parole for the murder, hired Robert Sanger to represent him during the sentencing portion, and Sanger asked on 8/22 for more time to prepare any motions or briefs he may be making in the case. Smith said the victim’s family had a right to have closure in the case, not to see it delayed several more months.