After learning of his sentence, Orozco reportedly yelled in Spanish at the victim’s family as he was led out of the courtroom, saying he would get out one day.
HOUSTON – Man found guilty kill houston mechanic Just days before Christmas 2022, he learned his fate on Tuesday and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Raudel Orozco, 23, previously pleaded guilty, according to prosecutors Felony murder charge and faces 5 to 40 years Killing Luis Casillas In a car shop on the north side.
Orozco’s defense attorney said his client went to the store because he thought his truck had been stolen. They claimed the shooting was an accident and that Orozco was remorseful.
After learning of his sentence, Orozco reportedly yelled in Spanish to the victim’s family as he was led out of the courtroom, saying he would get out one day.
Two other people were also charged with murder In connection with the death of Casillas.
Rolando Orozco is scheduled to appear in court on May 26 for a pretrial conference, where the District Attorney’s Office and his attorney are expected to consider an offer against Rolando Orozco, 25, according to court records.
A third man charged with murder was dismissed in September 2024. According to court documents, there was insufficient evidence to support a conviction.
Authorities said all three suspects fled to Mexico after the shooting but later returned. The weapon used in the murder was never recovered, nor was the vehicle.
what happened
Casillas, 29, was shot in the head on Dec. 23, 2022, as he begged for his life outside a store near West Little York Road and North Highway.
Investigators said that day Casillas got into an argument with a group of men, one of whom owed about $500 for vehicle repairs but refused to pay.
Witnesses said Casillas tried to escape and begged the group not to kill him.
family members Said Casillas planned to use the money they owed him to buy Christmas gifts for his two children, both toddlers.
“He was a father, a son, a brother, an uncle,” Casillas’ sister, Sandy Casillas, said. “He didn’t deserve to be treated like this. He begged them, ‘I have a family, take what you want.’ They said ‘no.'”
