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Men behind murder of Phoenix pastor sentenced to 30 years in prison

Posted at 2:21 PM, Sep 08, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-08 19:44:24-04

The suspects behind the murder of a local Phoenix pastor have been sentenced to a total of 30 years behind bars.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office say Jaime Sapien and Jesse Monroy have been found guilty of 2nd-degree murder and 1st-degree burglary.

According to Phoenix police, Sapien and Monroy broke into the victim’s home near 20th Avenue and Monroe Street on February 27, 2015 with intent to rob it. When the suspects were met by two men inside the home, they fired shots.

John "Jack" Moriarty,35, a pastor at Redeemed Outreach Center, was killed. A second man suffered minor injuries.

A third suspect, Nichole Coble, is also being charged with 2nd-degree murder. Phoenix police say she acted as the getaway driver the night of the murder.

Coble has entered a plea and currently has a sentencing date on October 26.