Lawrence man receives concurrent sentences for attempted second-degree murder in 2021 shooting

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez announced that Alejandro Martinez Diaz, 20, of Lawrence, was sentenced Thursday to more than 10 years in prison for two counts of attempted murder in the second degree for shooting at a vehicle and seriously injuring the vehicle’s passenger in north Lawrence in 2021.

Judge Amy Hanley sentenced Martinez Diaz, who pleaded guilty in June, to 128 months on the first count and 59 months on the second count. Martinez Diaz will serve both sentences concurrently in the Kansas Department of Corrections. Martinez Diaz also will be required to register as a violent offender for 15 years upon release from prison.

Martinez Diaz is one of three defendants charged in connection with the shooting that occurred on May 27, 2021. Ontareo X. Jackson, 20, of Lawrence, pleaded no contest to second-degree attempted murder in February 2022. Martinez Diaz’s brother, Eduardo Martinez Diaz, 17, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal discharge of a firearm in December.

“The defendants in this case have been held accountable for putting innocent lives at risk,” DA Valdez said. “Today’s conclusion sends a clear message that our community will not tolerate senseless acts of gun violence.”

The State was represented by Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Tatum. The case was investigated by the Lawrence Police Department.