Fresno Marine who murdered friend after losing wrestling match sentenced

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A Fresno Marine, who shot his friend and fellow soldier after losing to him in a drunken wrestling match, was sentenced to first-degree murder on Friday.

According to the DA, that means 35 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years.

On April 28 of last year, now 35-year-old Christian Lavin invited his friend and fellow Marine, 30-year-old Roberto Roman, over for drinks.

As the night spilled into the early morning hours, the DA says Lavin and Roman engaged in a friendly wrestling match in Lavin’s backyard. According to court records, Roman came out on top.

But the friendly situation changed after Lavin went inside. According to the DA, he came out with a Glock and shot Roman in the chest at close range.

Lavin’s wife called 911, but by the time help arrived, Roman had died. He leaves behind his mother, brother, loving wife, and their 3-year-old son.

Lavin was convicted of first-degree murder on May 29 after a weeks-long trial. On Friday, he was sentenced to 35 years to life in state prison, but under Penal Code §3055, commonly known as Elderly Parole, he will be eligible for parole when he turns 50 and has served 20 years of his sentence.