By Shayna Jacobs
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN SUPREME COURT — A Washington Heights drug dealer and the gunman he hired to murder a local marijuana dealer were both sentenced to more than 50 years in prison on Tuesday in Manhattan Supreme Court.
Oman Gutierrez and Jose Inoa, both 36, received sentences ranging from more than 50 years to life in prison for the murder of Edward Contreras, who had taken one of Gutierrez's prime dealing spots at West 204th Street and Post Avenue, the DA said.
Gutierrez, who was running a drug ring from prison where he was serving time on drug dealing charges, hired his childhood friend Inoa to gun down Contreras, prosecutors said. Inoa opened fire at Licey's Supermarket at 186 Sherman Avenue on Jan. 11, 2005.
Another victim, Cristian Santos, was shot in the face and suffered permanent paralysis, prosecutors said.
"Innocent people get caught in the crossfire, in the gunfire, and the gunfire was over these lucrative spots," Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Gregory Carro said before imposing the lengthy sentences.
Despite conceptions that marijuana is harmless, it is actually "very violent" and capable of destroying communities, the judge added.
"This case highlights the inextricable ties between the drug trade and violent crime," Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. said in a statement.
Family members of Contreras, who was a father of eight, spoke at the sentencing. They described him as "a good man" who always took care of his family.
They were each convicted at trial of first- and second- degree murder, weapons and conspiracy charges.
Gutierrez received a sentence of 52 1/2 years to life in prison and Inoa was ordered to serve 73 1/3 years to life behind bars.
