May 4, 2023

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Justin Broadnax, 28, of Denton, Texas, was sentenced by a jury to 50 years in prison for Murder. “This murderer had a long history of violence and threats with firearms that had yet to catch up with him. Now he’s been held accountable for murdering an unsuspecting and innocent victim,” said Willis after sentencing.

On August 21, 2021, the victim was at his apartment hanging out with friends when Broadnax showed up unannounced. Broadnax barged into the apartment upset and looking for his girlfriend. When the individuals in the apartment told him to leave, he initially refused.

Eventually Broadnax’s girlfriend convinced him to leave and the two began walking out of the apartment. As they were leaving, Broadnax elbowed the victim in the face. A fight ensued between the victim, Broadnax, and other males in the apartment.

During the fist-fight, Broadnax pulled a gun from his waistband and shot the victim once in the chest before fleeing with his girlfriend. In the following days, Broadnax changed his appearance, disposed of the murder weapon, and fled to Houston.

Frisco Police Department Detective Randy Adams investigated the case. The investigation revealed that none of the victim’s friends and eye witnesses knew Broadnax’s name, or that he had a gun on him when he came into the apartment. Through witness interviews and leads from social media, the Frisco Police Department identified, located, and arrested Broadnax three days later with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals.

The jury found Broadnax guilty. During punishment, the jury heard evidence of Broadnax’s violent past, including threats involving a fireman on four separate instances and a history of domestic violence.

The jury also learned that at the time of the murder, Broadnax was on bond for an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge out of Dallas that occurred seven months prior to the murder. During that incident, Broadnax was in possession of two firearms.

Additionally, prosecutors introduced evidence that Broadnax had been prohibited from carrying a firearm due to a protective order issued out of Denton County, Texas. The jury assessed punishment at 50 years in prison.

Judge George Flint presided over the case. Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Marisa Dunagan and Luke Calhoun prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Mike Bennett, and Victim’s Assistance Coordinators Niccole Frazier and Shaunette Bronson.

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April 18, 2023

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that David Lee Hayes, 41, of McKinney, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration. “This habitual offender had already been sent to prison multiple times for failing to register as a sex offender. Our goal was to ensure that he could no longer hide amongst Collin County citizens,” stated Willis after sentencing.

On July 13, 2022, McKinney Police Department was notified that Hayes had been living off Bumpas Street in McKinney. The caller, who was the property manager at the time, reported that Hayes had been living with his girlfriend in her apartment for approximately one year without permission. The girlfriend had recently asked Hayes to leave as well and he refused.

Corporal Joel Purser investigated the case and learned that Hayes had been previously convicted of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and was registered as a sex offender in Dallas at his brother’s address where he claimed to live. However, Hayes had not registered in McKinney where he was actually living. Officer James Lopez executed the arrest warrant and found Hayes near a park with several children in the immediate area.

In addition to the original charge that made him a convicted sex offender, Hayes also had three previous convictions for Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration in 2009, 2010, and 2013 in which he served prison time.

Judge Faith Johnson presided over the case and assessed the punishment at 45 years in prison.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Kriti Sharma and Charles Brazell prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigators Robin Laughon and Ryan Harvey.

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April 14, 2023

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Carlton Williams, 35, of Cedar Hill, Texas, who fled during his recent trial for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon was located this week in Frisco, Texas. After refusing to surrender to law enforcement Monday afternoon, he was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and he died hours later.

“Public safety must always be the first concern of the criminal justice system and this case illustrates exactly why violent habitual offenders must be held fully accountable for their actions, even if that includes pre-trial detention,” said Willis. “I want to thank both the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Frisco Police Department for their dogged pursuit of this dangerous fugitive. Their relentless efforts and professional approach kept our citizens safe from further harm at the hands of this violent felon,” said Willis.

Williams was free on a $35,000.00 surety bond for the Aggravated Assault charge and failed to appear on March 22^nd for the third day of his jury trial when the jury was scheduled to determine his fate. While on the run that same day, Williams is suspected of committing another Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon by shooting at a relative in Dallas County with a handgun.

When Williams failed to appear at his trial, Judge Faith Johnson issued a warrant for Williams’s arrest and the District Attorney’s Office immediately contacted Texas Rangers and Special Agents of the Texas Department of Public Safety who began searching for him. Williams was found in Frisco on Monday, April 10^th, by these officers, and they then requested the assistance of the Frisco Police Department’s Special Operations Unit (SOU). For further information please refer to the Media Advisory from the Frisco Police Department regarding Call for Service #23039653 dated April 14, 2023.

Despite his absence in the courtroom, the trial continued and the jury convicted Williams and sentenced him under the Texas Habitual Offender statute to 43 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The jury that convicted Williams heard testimony about an August 29^th, 2021, road rage incident in Plano where Williams exited his truck, banged on the victim’s window, and then retrieved a machete from his box truck. Williams threatened the victim’s life while slashing the victim’s front and rear passenger tires with the machete. Williams then fled the location when the light turned green. Several eyewitnesses observed Williams’s behavior at the busy intersection and testified at trial. The jury found Williams guilty, even with his voluntary absence from trial.

During sentencing, the jury heard evidence of three additional road rage incidents involving Williams, two in Dallas County in 2021, and one in another county in 2019.  In both Dallas County offenses, Williams also brandished a machete to threaten the other drivers. Prosecutors also presented evidence that Williams had two prior felony convictions for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in 2008 and Continuous Violation of a Protective Order in 2015, both out of Dallas County.  Williams also had multiple misdemeanor convictions as well.

The District Attorney’s Office would also like to thank the Frisco Fire Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Collin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Plano Police Department for their assistance in this matter.

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April 4, 2023

(McKinney, Texas) –District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Juan Alberto Salazar Meza, 33, of Plano, Texas, was sentenced to 50 years in prison without parole after the jury found him guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. “Our hearts go out to this victim for having to endure even one second of this perpetrator’s abuse. And our thanks goes to the family member who reported the abuse and helped end this child’s suffering,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Salazar Meza was an adult who was known by and had ongoing access to the victim. He sexually abused the victim over a course of several months, starting when the victim was 10 years old. Eventually, a family member of the victim was worried that the victim was being abused, so they disclosed their concerns to school counselors in March of 2022. The abuse was then reported to CPS and to Plano Police Department.

Plano Police Department Detective Kristina McClain investigated the case. The victim was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where she disclosed details about the abuse.

The jury found Salazar Meza guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. The jury assessed punishment at 50 years in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Judge Jennifer Edgeworth presided over the case.

Assistant District Attorneys Ann Mathew and Jamin Daly prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Greg Bowers and Kim Voigt-Eanes, Victim Assistance Coordinator Melissa White, and Legal Secretary Ramnpreet Kaur.

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March 30, 2023

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Carlton Williams, 35, of Cedar Hill, Texas, was sentenced to 43 years in prison for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon after a jury found him guilty. “Williams is a prime example of the violent and aggressive repeat offender who innocent and unsuspecting drivers don’t see coming. And clearly nothing will deter him, not even being in his own felony jury trial. My office has provided all of the information and assistance possible to law enforcement to ensure that Williams is found as soon as possible,” said Willis after sentencing.

On August 29, 2021, the victim was driving home on the Dallas North Tollway when he was nearly side swiped by Williams, who was driving a large white box truck. Williams became angry when the victim tried to get his attention.  Williams then chased the victim for seven minutes.

The chase escalated when the victim stopped at a red light at Legacy and Parkwood in Plano, Texas. Williams exited his truck, banged on the victim’s window, and then retrieved a machete from his box truck. Williams threatened the victim’s life while slashing the victim’s front and rear passenger tires with the machete. Williams then fled the location when the light turned green. Several eyewitnesses observed Williams’ behavior at the busy intersection and testified to the same at trial.

 Plano Police Department conducted witness interviews, obtained surveillance footage, and matched fingerprints that the suspect left on the victim’s car to Williams. Detective Justin Duffy was the lead investigator.

During trial, Williams was involved in a road rage shooting in Duncanville on his way to the courthouse and fled that scene while armed and dangerous. The Texas Rangers continue to search for Williams, along with the Duncanville and Cedar Hill police departments.

The jury found Williams guilty, even with his voluntary absence from trial. During sentencing, the jury heard evidence of three additional road rage incidents involving Williams, two in Dallas County in 2021, and one in another county in 2019.  In both Dallas County offenses, Williams also brandished a machete to threaten the other drivers. Prosecutors also presented evidence that Williams had two prior felony convictions for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in 2008 and Continuous Violation of a Protective Order in 2015, both out of Dallas County.  Williams also had multiple misdemeanor convictions as well.

The jury assessed punishment at 43 years in prison. Judge Faith Johnson presided over the case.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Claire Mosley and Marisa Dunagan prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Mike Bennett, and Victim Assistance Coordinator Niccole Frazier.

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March 29, 2023

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Lawrence Edward Bell, 48, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced to 99 years for Murder after a jury found him guilty. “My office is grateful for DART’s thorough and tireless search for this murderer, so that we could then bring him to justice. The victim did not know his killer and did nothing to provoke him. Bell deserves a lifetime and more behind bars,” said Willis after sentencing.

On March 18, 2022, at 6:12 A.M., police were dispatched to a shooting on a DART rail train at the City Line/Bush Station. Train surveillance footage showed an individual pull a firearm from his coverall pocket and shoot the victim prior to exiting the train. He was wearing brown coveralls, tan boots, a blue hoodie, COVID mask, a green beanie, and a black backpack. The victim was transported to Medical City Plano and later died from his injuries.

DART Police Department Detective Eric Carlson investigated the case. He went to the scene and located a single spent .45 caliber cartridge casing. DART PD began watching additional surveillance footage from early that same morning and prior evening. Officers located footage of the suspect with his face coverings removed. Based on the suspect’s movements across multiple trains and platforms throughout the night leading up to the murder, Carlson believed the suspect might be homeless. An employee at The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center in Dallas identified the suspect as Lawrence Bell.

DART PD continued to search for Bell in the days after the murder and ultimately located Bell at a DART station on April 1^st, 12 days after the murder. Bell was wearing the exact same clothing used in the murder. Officer Cory Neal detained Bell and found a .45 caliber handgun in the chest pocket of his coveralls. Ballistics comparison conducted by firearms examiner Richard Rotella, with the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science, determined that the single cartridge casing found at the crime scene was fired from Bell’s firearm.

The jury found Bell guilty of murder. During punishment, prosecutors presented evidence that Bell previously served 11 years in prison for an Aggravated Robbery committed in 2000 and the jury heard testimony from that victim.  Additionally, the jury heard that Bell had been previously convicted for felony Manufacture or Delivery of Cocaine, and misdemeanor Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon, Theft, and Forgery, all out of Dallas and Denton counties. The jury sentenced Bell to 99 years in prison.

Judge George Flint presided over the case.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Taylor Reese and Nick Lawrance prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Laurie Gibbs, Victim Assistance Coordinator Niccole Frazier and Legal Secretary Jaimie Valliere.

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March 14, 2023

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Jose Aguilar, 46, of Plano, Texas, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for Aggravated Robbery after a jury found him guilty. “Brutal acts of violence, especially those with permanent consequences for the victim, deserve permanent consequences for the perpetrator as well. We are thankful that the victim survived his life-altering injuries and was brave enough to later come testify in court. While the lives of the victim and his family will never be the same, Collin County is a safer place with Aguilar behind bars,” stated Willis after sentencing.

On the evening of August 27, 2021, Plano police were dispatched to a stabbing at a storage unit complex. Surveillance video showed that Aguilar approached the victim with a knife and demanded the victim give him his work trailer. Aguilar then stabbed the victim several times in the neck and head. As the victim lay bleeding in the parking lot, Aguilar searched the victim’s open storage unit and vehicle.

After finding money in the victim’s vehicle, video evidence showed that Aguilar ran over the victim with his vehicle, then came back and ran over him again, and then finally fled the scene. The victim was found shortly after by another storage unit tenant who called 911. Miraculously, the victim was able to recount the events to police. He was rushed to Medical City Plano where surgeons removed the tip of Aguilar’s knife from the back of his neck. As for Aguilar, he was apprehended after crashing into multiple cars at a nearby intersection.

The victim, who because of the attack is now completely paralyzed in both legs and almost completely paralyzed in both arms, was brought to the courthouse and testified at trial.

The case was investigated by Plano Police Detective Mary Jung. Plano Detectives Billy Henricks and Catherine Foreman and Officer Richard Longarello testified at trial.

The jury found Aguilar guilty of Aggravated Robbery and assessed punishment at 50 years in prison. Judge Tom Nowak presided over the case.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Charles Brazell and Alex Haynes prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Ryan Harvey and Mike Smith, and Victim Assistance Coordinator Ruth Ruiz.

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March 1, 2023

(McKinney, Texas) – Raymond Earl Caraway, Jr., 27, of Dallas, was sentenced to the maximum 20 years in prison for manslaughter, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Our deepest sympathies are with the Brazil family, as his wife and daughters continue to grieve the loss of their loved one. Mr. Brazil was a pillar of faith and kindness in our community, and he and his family did not deserve to suffer from the careless and irresponsible actions of a drunk driver over four times the legal limit. We are grateful that this jury held him responsible to the maximum extent of the law,” stated Willis after sentencing.

On May 27, 2021, at approximately 6:20pm, Caraway was speeding 20 miles per hour over the speed limit when he ran a red light at Dallas Parkway and Tennyson Parkway in the city limits of Plano. Caraway crashed his vehicle into the driver side door of Charles Brazil’s vehicle. Brazil, age 57, died on impact. Caraway attempted to run away from the scene of the crash but was pointed out by civilian witnesses to law enforcement. Officers and medical staff noted that Caraway smelled of alcohol.

Officer Xavier Badillo with the Plano Police Department investigated the case. Officer Badillo had Caraway’s blood tested, which revealed a .377 blood alcohol concentration.

A jury found Caraway guilty of manslaughter, a second degree felony.

During the punishment phase of trial, the State introduced evidence that Caraway had a prior misdemeanor DWI conviction from 2018 out of Tarrant County where his blood alcohol concentration was a .25. The jury also heard that while in jail awaiting trial, Caraway showed no remorse for his actions when he stated on a recorded jail call that he “couldn’t wait to get out” of jail so he could go out and “take shots” at bars. The jury assessed punishment at 20 years in prison, the maximum sentence under the law.

Charles Brazil was a community leader in Collin County, a husband, and a father to three daughters. Brazil also served as an elder for Life-Changing Faith Christian Fellowship in Frisco, Texas.

Judge Tom Nowak presided over the case.

Assistant District Attorneys Alex Haynes and Ashleigh Woodall prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Mike Smith and Laurie Gibbs, and Victim Assistance Coordinator Melissa White.

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February 14, 2023

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Aston Carrier, 28, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to 60 years for murder after a jury found him guilty. “Aston Carrier showed time and time again by his criminal history, numerous pending charges in Harris County, and repeated violations of bond, that he cannot be a lawful member of society.  He then brought his crime spree to Collin County, where we prosecuted him to the fullest extent of the law and asked the jury to remove him from society for as long as possible,” stated Willis after sentencing.

On June 2, 2020, witnesses found the deceased, Derek Carr, on the sidewalk outside of the Sutton Place Apartment Complex in the Collin County portion of the City of Dallas, after hearing multiple rounds of gunfire.  Officers from the Dallas Police Department, as well as EMS, were unable to revive the victim.

After a two-month long investigation, Dallas Police Department Detective Patty Belew determined that Aston Carrier and his accomplice traveled from the Houston area to the victim’s apartment in the early morning hours of June 2, 2020. Surveillance video from the victim’s apartment showed Aston Carrier and his accomplice attempting to get the victim to come out of his apartment before they intentionally disabled the cameras.

Witnesses reported that the victim was shot in the back while running through the parking lot.  Detective Belew ultimately identified Aston Carrier and his accomplice from the surveillance video and multiple witness interviews. DNA evidence later confirmed that Aston Carrier and his accomplice were involved in the shootout at the apartment complex.

The jury found Carrier guilty of murder. During punishment, the State presented evidence to the jury that Carrier was on probation out of Harris County for the felony offense of Evading with a Motor Vehicle at the time of the murder.  Additionally, the jury heard that Carrier had been previously arrested for Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon, Aggravated Robbery, Unlawful Use of a Criminal Instrument, Evading with Prior Conviction, and Failure to Identify, all out of Harris County.  Prosecutors also presented evidence that Carrier was arrested in Harris County twice while in possession of firearms while on bond for this murder charge. Finally, the jury heard that while in custody in the Collin County jail, he brutally assaulted another inmate. The jury sentenced Carrier to 60 years in prison.  The accomplice is currently awaiting jury trial.

 Judge Benjamin Smith presided over the case.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashley Briggs and Christina Skipper prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Mike Smith, Victim Assistance Coordinator Melissa White, and Legal Secretary Lisa McCurdy.

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January 24, 2023

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Gregory Reed, 57, of Plano, Texas, was sentenced to life in prison for the first degree offense of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon causing Serious Bodily Injury to a Family Member. “This brave woman survived a deadly attack by fighting for her life against an axe-wielding abuser, who scarred her permanently. She then had the courage to face him in court. In return, this violent habitual offender deserved nothing less than the maximum sentence,” stated Willis after sentencing.

On June 9, 2021, officers with the Plano Police Department were dispatched to a home on Buckle Lane in reference to an aggravated assault.  Upon arrival at the home, family members told officers that they believed Reed had used an axe to attack his girlfriend and then left the location, taking the victim with him.  Officers observed obvious signs of an offense, including lots of blood, and recovered an axe.  Reed and the victim were located at a nearby hospital wherein the victim had significant injuries to her hand and arm.

Once separated from her perpetrator, the victim told police that while she was sleeping, Reed woke her up wielding an axe and swung it at her.  The victim used her hands and arms to defend herself and he eventually stopped the attack due to the victim begging for her life.  The attack resulted in significant injuries that have required multiple surgeries and resulted in permanent disfigurement.

The case was investigated by Plano Detective Chris McEntire.  Plano officers Jennifer Akin and Mike Green testified at trial.

Judge Benjamin Smith presided over the case, found Reed guilty, and assessed the life sentence. Reed had been previously sentenced to prison for five years for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and 19 years for assault family violence with previous conviction.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Justin Dotzel and Cresta Garland prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigators Robin Laughon and Mike Bennett and Victim Assistance Coordinator Melissa White.

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January 19, 2023

(McKINNEY, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Burak Hezar, 23, of Allen pleaded guilty days before trial and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the capital murder of his mother, Isil Borat, 50, and his sister Burcu Hezar, 17. “Burak Hezar committed one of the most heinous crimes against the very people who loved him and cared for him – his mother and sister. We hope that this sentence brings a sense of safety and justice to Isil and Burcu’s surviving family members in this very painful time,” stated Willis after sentencing.

On April 24, 2021, the Allen Police were dispatched to Hezar’s residence after Hezar’s stepfather called police. When the stepfather arrived home early from a business trip, Hezar would not let his stepfather go near his mother’s and sister’s rooms. Hezar brandished a knife and tried to prevent his stepfather from leaving the residence, but the stepfather was able to escape and call 911. Hezar fled the scene and was later apprehended at DFW airport.

The investigation revealed that Hezar surprised his sister as she slept in her bed, and attempted to smother her with a pillow. When she woke up and tried to fight him off, he pulled a knife and stabbed her to death. Hezar then went and stabbed his mother to death while she was asleep. Due to the quick response of the Allen Police Department notifying the DFW Airport Department of Public Safety, Hezar was prevented from getting on a plane and committing a subsequent murder. Hezar confessed to killing both his mother and his sister and told authorities his plan was to go to California to kill his father as well.

Allen PD Corporal Michael Cannon investigated the case, with the assistance of Detective Tim Dowd and Criminalist Lauren Bly.

Judge John Roach presided over the case and assessed the automatic sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Nick Lawrance and Ashlyn Scott prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Ryan Harvey.

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December 21, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Courtney Cochran, 56, of Plano, Texas, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after the jury found him guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. “We thank the jury for delivering the maximum punishment allowed by law for this child predator. And we thank the children for their tremendous courage,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Cochran was an adult who was known by and had ongoing access to two children who later reported him for years-long sexual abuse. Cochran sexually abused the victims over the course of five years, starting when the victims were as young as five years old. Eventually, one of the victims disclosed the abuse during an unrelated CPS investigation, which led the other victim to disclose their abuse as well.

Plano Police Department Detective Kristina McClain investigated the case and interviewed the older victim. The younger victim was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County. During their interviews, both victims disclosed details about their abuse.

Judge Tom Nowak presided over the case.

The jury found Cochran guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and assessed punishment at life in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Jamin Daly and Baileigh Hale prosecuted the case, assisted by Collin County District Attorney Investigator Kim Voigt-Eanes, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

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December 20, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Ricardo Bernal, 49, of Wylie, Texas, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after the jury found him guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. “There is one thing we can agree with Ricardo Bernal on – that he is in fact a monster.  And because of this jury’s verdict, this monster will remain exactly where he should be for the rest of his life – behind bars,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Bernal was an adult who was known by and had ongoing access to the victim.  He sexually abused the victim over the course of four years, starting when the victim was as young as six years old.  Eventually, the victim disclosed the abuse to another family member, which led to the abuse being reported to Wylie Police Department.

Wylie Police Department Detective Joey Scimone investigated the case and interviewed Bernal, who admitted to the abuse and referred to himself as a “monster” during that interview. The victim was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where they disclosed details about the abuse.

Judge Don Adams presided over the case.

The jury found Bernal guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and assessed punishment at life in prison.  By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Nicola Hines and Alex Haynes prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Kim Voigt-Eanes, Sarah Putman and Sam Selman, Victim Assistance Coordinator Shaunette Bronson, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

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December 13, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Devin Tainatongo, 27, of Plano, Texas, was sentenced to 25 years in prison without parole after the jury found him guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. “This predator played hide-and-seek with his victim to create opportunities for abuse and threatened to hurt the child’s siblings if the child told anyone. But despite fleeing the country, law enforcement and our office refused to let him hide from the law.  My office is grateful for the assistance of multiple law enforcement authorities in finding this child predator and bringing him back to Texas for justice,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Tainatongo was an adult who was known by and had ongoing access to the child. He sexually abused the victim over the course of four years, starting when the child was just 6 years old.  The abuse typically happened when Tainatongo would play hide-and-seek with the child and the child’s siblings. Tainatongo threatened to abuse the child’s other siblings if the victim ever told anyone about the abuse. Eventually, the child disclosed the abuse to another family member.  The abuse was reported to the Plano Police Department and CPS.

When the law enforcement investigation began, Tainatongo had already left Texas and moved to Guam, where he was living with his grandmother. The Office of the Attorney General, in conjunction with the U.S. Marshalls, extradited Tainatongo back to the U.S. for the trial.

Plano Police Department Detective Bryan Patten investigated the case. The child was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where the child disclosed details about the abuse.

The jury found Tainatongo guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child.

Judge Rayburn Nall presided over the case and assessed punishment at 25 years in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Nicola Hines and Ashleigh Woodall prosecuted the case, assisted by Collin County District Attorney Investigators Greg Bowers and Sarah Putman, Victim Assistance Coordinator Shaunette Bronson, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

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December 5, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Kernell Zeno Jr., 24, of McKinney, Texas, was sentenced to 50 years in prison without parole after the jury found him guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. “These two children courageously tried to outsmart their abuser and install their own protection, courageously told a trusted adult who ultimately did not help them, and then courageously testified against their abuser. We are grateful to this jury for recognizing their courage and making sure this predator never assaults another child,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Zeno was an adult who was known by and had ongoing access to two children who ultimately disclosed their abuse. He sexually abused the two victims over the course of five years, starting when the children were as young as nine years old.

In an attempt to stop the abuse, both children saved up money to purchase locks for their bedroom doors. But Zeno continued to prey upon the victims by prying open those locks with a knife. The jury even saw pictures of the knife’s multiple pry marks on both door frames of their rooms.

The abuse continued even after one of the children disclosed the abuse to another family member, who did not report the abuse to law enforcement. Ultimately, one of the children disclosed the abuse to a therapist. The abuse was then reported to McKinney Police Department and CPS.

McKinney Police Department Detective Zachary Craven investigated the case. The children were forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where they disclosed details about the abuse.

The jury found Zeno guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. During the punishment phase of the trial, the jury learned that Zeno had previously served time in a Texas state prison after being convicted of felony criminal mischief in 2019. The prosecutors also presented evidence that Zeno had a pending felony charge in Collin County for Burglary of a Habitation committed in McKinney in 2020. Zeno broke into a stranger’s home and stole jewelry and money. Zeno was identified by fingerprints left at the scene and surveillance footage.

After considering all the evidence, the jury assessed punishment at 50 years in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Judge Richard Davis presided over the case.

Assistant District Attorneys Ann Mathew and Alex Oesterich prosecuted the case, assisted by Collin County District Attorney Investigator Greg Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

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December 1, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Michael Patrick Paton, 39, of Celina, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the capital murder of his wife, Tamara Jo Paton (36), and his two children Kyndle Paton (14) and Evan Paton (13). “Some things really should go without saying, but husbands and fathers should bravely protect their families, not use their special access to permanently eliminate them. Our deepest condolences are with those who loved Tamara Jo, Kyndle and Evan.”

On February 19, 2021, Celina officers were dispatched to a shots fired call.  The caller was Michael Paton, who advised to dispatch that he had shot his wife and there was a fire in the master bedroom.  He told dispatch that his children were in the house and that he was standing outside with a gun in his hand.

Upon officer arrival, Paton placed his gun in the bed of his truck and was detained by Sergeant Jeremiah Phillips.  Celina Fire Department entered the home for lifesaving measures but the mother and two teenagers were deceased due to gunshot wounds.

Celina Det. Christopher Armstrong, Det. KC Robinson, Sgt. Joshua Armstrong, and Lt. Kyle Peck investigated the case, with the assistance of the Celina Fire Department and Collin County Sheriff’s Office Criminalist Christina Gwyn.

 Judge Jennifer Edgeworth presided over the case and assessed the life sentence without parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Cresta Garland and Dewey Mitchell prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Robin Laughon and Victim Assistance Coordinator Shaunette Bronson.

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November 29, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Luis Escobedo, 32, of Plano, Texas, was sentenced to 60 years in prison without parole after a jury found him guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. “The jury’s verdict says it is completely unacceptable to prey on children. And if you do, then you’ll spend the rest of your life in prison, unable to harm another child,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Escobedo was an adult who was known by and had ongoing access to three children who ultimately disclosed their abuse to trusted adults. Escobedo sexually abused all three children over the course of 12 years, starting when the children were as young as five years old. Eventually, one of the children disclosed the abuse to another family member, which led to a family meeting where the two other children also disclosed their abuse. The abuse was reported to the Richardson Police Department and CPS.

Richardson Police Department Detective Sarah Yee investigated the case and interviewed the two oldest children. The youngest child was forensically interviewed at the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center. During their interviews, all three children disclosed details about their abuse.

Judge James Fry presided over the case. The jury found Escobedo guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. The Court assessed punishment at 60 years in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Jamin Daly and Mollie Thompson prosecuted the case, assisted by Collin County District Attorney Investigators Kim Voigt-Eanes and Robin Laughon, Victim Assistance Coordinator Niccole Frazier, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

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November 10, 2022

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Adam Steven Barney, 17, of McKinney, was sentenced to life in prison for Murder and fined $10,000. “The victim in this case was brutally murdered by her own son, who she spent his entire life trying to help overcome his dark characteristics. But in the end, the evil in Adam Barney could not be helped. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Barney family as they continue to grieve the loss of their beautiful wife and mother,” said Willis after sentencing.

On Jan. 3, 2021, Officers from the McKinney Police Department were called to the Barney family home after the father told 911 dispatch that his son had killed his wife. When officers arrived, the father showed responding officers the footage caught by the security cameras installed throughout the home. The video showed that Adam Barney attacked his mother from behind while she was seated on the living room couch, struck her in the head eleven times with a hammer, then strangled her until she stopped breathing. When Barney’s father came out of his bedroom unaware of what had just occurred, Barney attacked him with a screwdriver, then fled out the front door. Barney absconded for over seven hours, until officers found him walking down the street the next morning.

McKinney Police Department Detective Steven Robinson testified as the lead investigator on the case, Officer Mark Brydges testified as the first officer on scene, and Forensic Investigator Joy Wright testified about the crime scene.

At trial, the State presented additional evidence of Barney’s long history of violence, manipulation, and unprovoked aggression towards others. A journal entry from his mother revealed that Barney had made statements expressing a desire to murder his family from as young as seven years old. Dr. Kristi Compton, a forensic psychologist, testified that the defendant had traits of a psychopath.

Barney pleaded guilty and a jury assessed punishment at life in prison with the possibility of parole and a $10,000 fine. Judge Andrea Thompson presided over the trial.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Christina Skipper, Kailey Gillman and John Rolater prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigators Laurie Gibbs and Stephanie Strickland, and Victim Assistance Coordinator Ruth Ruiz.

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District Attorney Greg Willis announced that the Collin County Citizen Prosecutor Academy (CCCPA) Spring session will begin January 26^th.

Prosecutors are sworn to seek justice in every case, and the CCCPA offers a behind the scenes look at the process. Participants selected through the competitive application process will learn from and engage with the finest prosecutors, investigators, detectives, and judges in the field. This unique opportunity sheds light on the significant role our office plays in the everyday lives of our citizens.

Our free, 12-week program will be held each Thursday from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Click here to
read more or complete the online application by December 9, 2022. Call Shelly Pingsterhaus at
972-548-4478 with questions. Additional requirements:

• Participants must pass a background check
• Attendance requirements must be met for successful completion
• Must be at least 18 years of age

CCCPA participants learn the role of the District Attorney and the criminal justice system through presentations, tours, and open dialogue with the District Attorney and his staff. Upon completion they’ll be ready to share their insights about how the District Attorney’s office partners with law enforcement agencies and the community to pursue justice and protect our community.

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October 18, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Blake Richards, 30, of Plano, Texas was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted by a jury for Capital Murder. “It’s hard to imagine a worse or more tragic response to your mother’s passing than to kill your own sister and her boyfriend over who will get the insurance proceeds from your mother’s death, but that’s what he did. His murderous actions not only permanently altered the lives of his family and those who loved his sister, Brittany, but the loved ones of Mr. Escalante as well.  May this jury’s verdict give a measure of peace to these families,” said Willis after sentencing.

On the evening of October 27, 2021, the Richardson Police Department received a call from a man stating that his best friend, Blake Richards, called him and confessed to killing his sister and her boyfriend. A Richardson police officer contacted Richards on the phone, wherein he confessed that he had “hurt” his sister and stated that he was in the parking lot of Target in Wylie. Richardson police officers responded to Target, detained Richards, and located a loaded rifle in his car.

Richardson and Plano officers then responded to the house in Plano where Richards lived with the victims.  Officers found the bodies of Brittany Richards and Ross Escalante in the dining room, having died from apparent gunshot wounds. A search of the home revealed an empty handgun on the dining room table and shell casings surrounding the bodies, as well as a bullet proof vest, drug paraphernalia, and books on the topics of booby-trapping and sniper training in Richards’ bedroom. Firearms testing revealed that the rifle in Richards’ vehicle and the handgun on the table were the two murder weapons.  DNA testing confirmed Richards’ DNA was present on both firearms.

Plano Police Department Detective Justin Duffy investigated the case. Witness interviews and cell phone extractions revealed that Blake and Brittany’s mother had recently passed away, and that they had been arguing for weeks about a life insurance policy.

A jury found Richards guilty of Capital Murder.

Judge Andrea Thompson presided over the case and assessed the automatic punishment of life without the possibility of parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Luke Calhoun and Geeta Singletary prosecuted the case, assisted by Investigator Michael Coleman and Victim Assistance Coordinators Niccole Frazier, Ruth Ruiz, and Shaunette Bronson.

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