Derrick Donchak and Brandon Piekarsky each received nine-year prison sentences for their role in the 2008 killing of Mexican immigrant Luis Ramirez in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. They were convicted last year by a federal court jury of beating and kicking Ramirez because they felt hostility toward Hispanics living in their coal-country town.
The sentences were substantially lighter than the 12 to 15 years recommended by federal sentencing guidelines. Federal Judge Richard Caputoi said he was partially persuaded to be lenient as a result of the many expressions of support for the accused.
