William Davenport rose from his chair in court and turned away when he heard his sentence for gunning down Denver bartender Desiderio Rodriguez.

The victim's family saw that as a cowardly reaction.

"He didn't want to face the sentencing," said Tom Bueno, Rodriguez's cousin. "He can't get away."

Denver District Judge Christina Habas sentenced Davenport, 31, to life in prison without parole Wednesday for the Nov. 8, 2004 shootings at Sebastian's Grill at 102 S. Broadway.

Davenport also received 48 years each for five counts of attempted murder for shooting at bar patrons.

"You thought about it (the shooting,)" Habas told Davenport. "You looked him in the eye. Desi was the only one standing there. It was depraved."

On the night of the shootings, Davenport was kicked out of Sebastian's Grill for fighting. He returned at closing time.

Rodriguez offered to buy Davenport a drink and apologized for what happened. The 32-year- old father worked an extra shift to make money for Christmas presents.

Davenport shot Rodriguez nine times, killing him, and fired at others in the bar.

Jeffrey Lambert, who was in the bar, said Rodriguez stood up to block gunfire from hitting other people.

"He saved my life," Lambert said. "I'm alive. It can't be that bad. I can get over this. Desi Rodriguez can't get over this."

Habas said those who were in the bar that night have developed friendships. Habas told Davenport that he made a "permanent, horrible bond" for these people.

doligosaf@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2970