Full Breakdown
Families Outraged Over Plea Deal in Texas Double Murder Case
4/6/2026, 11:54:38 PM
Overview of the Case
In a shocking turn of events, Lazerith Carrillo, 22, accepted a plea deal in Bexar County related to the double murder of Alyssa Perez, 26, and her friend, Edward Acosta Jimenez, 32, which occurred on January 27, 2023. Initially charged with capital murder, Carrillo's charges were reduced to two counts of murder, resulting in a sentence of two concurrent 50-year prison terms. This means he could be eligible for parole after 25 years, a decision that has left the victims' families feeling blindsided and dissatisfied.
Details of the Incident
The victims were found shot to death in a car parked outside Jimenez's mother's home. Security footage indicated that the shooting occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on January 27, 2023. Carrillo was arrested shortly after the incident when he attempted to carjack a vehicle nearby, and police linked him to the murders through forensic evidence, including fingerprints and a weapon matching the shell casings found at the scene. During police interviews, Carrillo admitted to knowing the victims but denied involvement in their deaths.
Families' Reactions and Frustrations
The families of Perez and Jimenez expressed their outrage during Carrillo's sentencing, feeling that the plea deal undermined their pursuit of justice. Aimee Perez, Alyssa's mother, confronted Carrillo in court, stating, “You viciously took two lives – of people who trusted you.” Jessica Acosta, Jimenez's sister, criticized the rushed nature of the plea agreement, revealing that they were informed just days before the finalization, leaving them unprepared for the outcome.
Official Statements and Responses
District Attorney Joe Gonzales defended the plea deal, emphasizing the thorough consideration of the case and the need for accountability. A spokesperson for the district attorney's office stated that they had communicated with the families about the potential plea agreement, but the families felt ignored and misled throughout the process. Acosta expressed her disillusionment, stating, “They lied to us, every single day for those three years.”
Commitment to Advocacy
In light of the plea deal, both families have vowed to advocate for justice and ensure Carrillo serves his full sentence. Acosta declared, “We will be there every single time to protest his release,” while Perez affirmed their commitment to being the voice of their loved ones, stating, “We’re going to stand up for her. We’re going to be heard – for her.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the district attorney's office claims to have communicated with the families regarding the plea deal, the families assert that they were caught off guard by the suddenness of the decision. This discrepancy highlights a potential gap in communication and support for the victims' families during the legal proceedings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You viciously took two lives – of people who trusted you – who actually cared about you,” — Aimee Perez, Mother of Alyssa Perez
- “They lied to us, every single day for those three years,” — Jessica Acosta, Sister of Edward Acosta Jimenez
- “We will be there every single time to protest his release, so that he serves every single day of those 50 years,” — Jessica Acosta, Sister of Edward Acosta Jimenez
- “We’re going to stand up for her. We’re going to be heard – for her.” — Aimee Perez, Mother of Alyssa Perez
