Judge refuses to allow accused murderer to take back guilty plea

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- No take-backs: a judge sternly denied a man's request to withdraw a guilty plea for murdering his wife Friday morning.

It has been a painful two years for the victim's family, who is just now learning how their loved one died.

"I called everybody and everybody dropped here and got here this morning because we didn't really know what was going to happen," said Laverne Saunders, a sister of the victim.

Steven Zapata killed his wife, Tondelia Zapata, in July 2013. In exchange for his guilty plea, he would be sent to prison for 24 years. He was set to be sentenced Friday.

Then, Tondelia Zapata's family got wind that he had changed his mind about the plea deal.

"I was told if I had chose to go to trial, that I could withdraw my guilty plea before sentencing," Steven Zapata said in court.

For Judge Mitch Perry, it came down to the law.

"I am certain that you knew what you were doing on that date and time. I will not allow you to withdraw that plea," said Perry.

Tondelia's family is thankful the judge stuck with the deal.

"We had a lot of people praying that this day right here, this would be the last day we'd have to do this. And God answered our prayers. It's as simple as that," said Saunders.

Prosecutors say Zapata strangled his wife, left town in her car, and was captured about a day later in Tennessee. Tondelia's brother is the one who found her in her Pleasure Ridge Park apartment, dead. The family says going to trial would have meant reliving that pain.

"Our goal was to keep my brother off the stand, because we don't think he could stand that," said Saunders.

Zapata has a record, including serving time for a 1981 rape conviction.

"I don't think he has any remorse, I don't think he's capable of remorse," said Shirley Leonard, another sister of the victim.

For the family, it is now about moving on after a very long two years.

"We're grateful today," said Saunders. "We may be looking a little sad right now, but believe me, we are very happy people."

Tondelia's only child, Stacey Smith, is finding closure.

"Today is a good day," said Smith. "It is. It is a good day. I'm claiming it. It's good because God is good."

Tondelia Zapata's family formed a prayer circle after the conclusion of the sentencing, thankful for the outcome.

Zapata can try to appeal. Prosecutors say he will have to serve at least 20 years before he sees the parole board. With the time he has already served in jail, he has about 17.5 years until he's eligible.