A California man has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison following a tragic shooting at a house party that claimed the life of a father of two.

Last year, 27-year-old Christopher Valdez agreed to a plea deal, admitting to one count of manslaughter in connection to the death of 22-year-old Andrew Valdez.

Fresno County Superior Court Judge Houry Sanderson handed down a 26-year prison sentence on Monday, adhering to the plea agreement’s terms. However, with almost seven years already served in pretrial detention, Christopher Valdez’s remaining sentence will be reduced by about a third.

The courtroom was filled with tension during the sentencing.

As the hearing commenced, Judge Sanderson recounted the details of the case, as reported by Fresno’s ABC affiliate KFSN.

“You’re smiling now, Mr. Valdez,” Sanderson told the convicted man. “I watched that smile on your face develop as I said those words because you know those are truths.”

The punishment stems from the alcohol-infused shooting death of Andrew Valdez, who is no relation to the defendant.

On Feb. 2, 2019, the two men were drinking and talking when the killer pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, according to a press conference covered by The Fresno Bee.

“They were both at a party, alcohol was being consumed, and for whatever reason, Christopher pulled out a handgun and began shooting, then fled,” since-retired Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said.

Authorities later said both the victim and shooter had ties to gangs.

During the sentencing hearing, the slain man’s stepfather expressed dissatisfaction with the path justice took in the case.

“The reality that my son, Andrew, will never return to us again has shattered our hearts forever,” he said. “As it is written in the Old Testament of the Bible, an eye for an eye. My son’s life for your son’s life.”

Immediately after the religious reference, the convicted killer got into a brief conversation with his lawyer. He appeared “flustered” by the victim’s stepfather’s comments, according to the local TV station.

Next, the defendant’s sister took to the dais in his defense.

“Christopher is still being charged and accused for a crime he didn’t do,” she said — referencing a “lie-detector test” he passed.

After that, the judge felt the need to correct the killer’s sister, saying that a witness at the party identified Valdez as the assailant.

“She’s a liar,” the sister shouted back — by then back in the gallery.

Then, the judge ordered the woman to leave the courtroom.

After the commotion died down, Sanderson imposed the formal sentence. The defendant kept his head high as his fate was sealed.

Finally, the judge took the opportunity to address the deceased man’s family. She said: “He is gone in physical form, but he is with all of you for many, many years to come.”