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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October 15, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Jordan Christopher Jacobs, 25, of Plano, Texas was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for capital murder. “An innocent man was out enjoying dinner with a friend when his life was taken by a violent stranger. The jury’s verdict triggered an automatic punishment of life without the possibility of parole for this senseless and terrible crime,” stated Willis after sentencing.

On July 7, 2021, Steven Christopher Gambles II was meeting a friend for dinner at the Shops of Legacy.  Unbeknownst to Gambles, Jordan Jacobs, a complete stranger, passed him outside of the Mini Mart.  Jacobs told his girlfriend that Gambles had been looking at her and so he was going to go rob him as a consequence.  Jacobs went back to his apartment and changed into a long sleeve security jacket, dark pants, and a mask as a disguise.

He spent the next two hours circling and waiting for Gambles to return to his car so that he could rob him.  Surveillance footage shows Jacobs was successful in entering Gambles’ car while he was waiting for him to return and stole a firearm from Gambles’ console.  When Gambles returned to his car after dinner, Jacobs quickly confronted him, pointed the stolen firearm at Gambles head when he would not cooperate, and shot him in the temple.

Plano Police Department Detective Aaron Benzick investigated the case and culled through surveillance footage to track the fleeing man dressed as a security guard back to his nearby apartment and identify Jordan Jacobs as the shooter. Jacobs was not associated with the Shops of Legacy security and was not currently employed as a security guard with any company.

A jury found Jacobs guilty of capital murder.  Judge George Flint presided over the case and assessed the automatic punishment of life without the possibility of parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Calli Bailey and Marisa Dunagan prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Mike Bennett, and Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix.

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August 29, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Mark Elliott Jones, 49, of McKinney, Texas, was sentenced to 35 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. “It is a sad day in the community when we learn that a sexual predator has been abusing even one innocent child for years.  But to learn that this predator sexually traumatized not one but two innocent children is simply unbearable,” added Willis after sentencing.

 Jones sexually abused two children who he had ongoing access to over a period of several years.  The two victims were 10 and 14 years old.  One of the children’s parents found a letter their child had written to God in which she disclosed the abuse.  The child’s parent reported the information to law enforcement, whose investigation led to the discovery of the second abused child.

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

The jury found Jones guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, which has a minimum punishment of 25 years in prison.  Judge Andrea Thompson assessed punishment at 35 years in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Kim Kircher and Ashleigh Woodall prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Kim Voigt-Eanes and Sam Selman, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

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August 24, 2022

Enrique Gerardo Esquivel-Mesen, 48, of Wylie, Texas, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for three charges of Possession with Intent to Promote Child Pornography and one charge of Possession of Child Pornography, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Child predators who seek out images and videos of child pornography on these platforms, and then also make it available to other child predators, should know that Collin County law enforcement is always watching and my office stands ready to prosecute to the maximum extent of the law,” stated Willis after sentencing.

In March 2021, Plano Police Department Detective Jeff Rich conducted an online undercover investigation on the BitTorrent peer-to-peer file sharing network. During that investigation, Detective Rich discovered hundreds of images of child pornography being shared with other users from an account owned by Esquivel-Mesen.

Detective Chris Meehan, formerly of the Collin County District Attorney’s Office, took over the case and executed a search warrant for Esquivel-Mesen’s residence. On scene, Wylie Police Department Detective Chad Hermes interviewed Esquivel-Mesen, who confessed to collecting and sharing child pornography online. Later, digital forensic examinations of his computer revealed a collection of approximately 5,000 images and videos of child pornography.

The jury found Esquivel-Mesen guilty of all charges.

Judge Mark Rusch presided over the case. In punishment, prosecutors presented evidence that Esquivel-Mesen was also secretly recording a child with whom he resided with a hidden camera in the child’s bedroom.

The Court assessed punishment at the maximum of 20 years in prison for two second degree felony charges of Possession with Intent to Promote Child Pornography. These sentences will run consecutively, for a total of 40 years. The Court also assessed punishment at the maximum of 10 years in prison for the third degree felony charge of Possession of Child Pornography, as well as another 10 year sentence for the final Possession with Intent to Promote Child Pornography charge. The two 10-year sentences will run concurrently.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Carrie Thomas and Geeta Singletary prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Linda Herrera and Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix.

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August 17, 2022

“Final justice was done this evening as the verdict of a Collin County jury was carried out for the killer of Sarah Walker. Kosoul Chanthakoummane was executed by lethal injection. Hopefully, Sarah’s family, friends, and loved ones can find some measure of solace.”

Greg Willis, Collin County District Attorney

August 10, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Joseph Daniel Enriquez, 55, of Anna, Texas was sentenced to life in prison for Murder. “While the criminal justice system can never make a loved one’s family feel whole again, we hope that the jury’s maximum sentence brings at least some peace and solace to the victim’s family,” stated Willis after sentencing.

On March 12, 2021, Enriquez called 911 and said he shot his wife. Anna Police Department responded to the home and found the victim lying dead in the bathroom, with a shotgun wound to her chest. When interviewed by police, Enriquez said that he accidentally pulled the trigger while he was putting his gun away. He told officers several times that the shotgun was not loaded. However, when Anna PD officers checked the gun, they found a live round in the chamber.

Months later, while awaiting trial in the Collin County Jail, Enriquez called a family member with a second story. This time he stated that the victim found out he had an affair eight years prior, and loaded the shotgun herself. Enriquez said he grabbed the gun from her and it accidentally went off.

At trial, firearms experts refuted Enriquez’s story that the shotgun just “went off” and explained that this shotgun would require a person to apply pounds of pressure in order to pull the trigger. Firearms experts also testified that the gunshot came from approximately 9-12 feet away from the victim, and was not a close contact wound that might have occurred during a struggle over the gun.

Anna PD Detective Rush Smith investigated the case, and Anna PD Officer Shane Long testified to finding the extra round in the chamber.

A jury found Enriquez guilty of murder and assessed punishment at life in prison. Judge Angela Tucker presided over the case.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Kailey Gillman and Cresta Garland prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigators Laurie Gibbs and Sam Selman, and Victim Assistance Coordinator Rebecca Royer.

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August 4, 2022

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Evan Kates, 31, of Carrollton, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for three charges of Aggravated Assault against a Public Servant. “A freshly paroled violent felon shot at police officers while they were pulling over an unrelated DWI suspect. These brave officers then pursued the shooter through four cities even as he continued to fire at them. They completed their pursuit on foot, and it’s only because of their bravery that he was held accountable,” stated Willis after sentencing.

At approximately 2:45 a.m. on August 22, 2021, Officers Joseph Houdyshell and Anders Heintz with the Allen Police Department were pursuing a vehicle believed to be driven by an intoxicated driver near the intersection of Greenville Avenue and Bethany Drive. During this unrelated DWI pursuit, a male in a maroon sedan began shooting at the officers. At the time that officers began receiving fire from the maroon vehicle, officers did not know whether the driver was associated with the DWI suspect.

Nevertheless, Officer Houdyshell immediately turned his attention from the DWI investigation in order to pursue the driver in the maroon vehicle. Officer Daryel Whitehead joined the pursuit. The pursuit of the shooter continued from Greenville Avenue in Allen through Fairview and McKinney on State Highway 5. Entering Melissa, the driver continued to shoot at Officers Houdyshell and Whitehead throughout the pursuit, with speeds reaching as high as 100 mph and disregarding all traffic signals.

The driver ultimately crashed his vehicle in Melissa at the intersection of Fannin Road and Center Street and fled on foot. Officers from Melissa PD, Anna PD, and the Collin County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene to help set up a perimeter while Officer Heintz and his K-9 tracked the area.  Officers Houdyshell and Whitehead pursued the fleeing shooter on foot and ultimately caught and arrested the driver and sole occupant of the maroon sedan, Evan Kates.

Officers conducted a search of Kates’ vehicle and located a Taurus handgun and magazine on the passenger floorboard, along with fired shell casings on the driver floorboard. It was later discovered through the arrest of the DWI suspect that Kates was not associated with that driver in any way.

It was also discovered that at the time of this offense, Kates had been on parole for only three months from an 18-year prison sentence for Aggravated Robbery out of Denton County.

Judge Richard Davis sentenced Kates to 40 years in prison.

The case was investigated by the Allen Police Department. Assistant Criminal District Attorney Ann Mathew and Calli Bailey prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland.

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August 1, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Stephon Washington, 23, of McKinney, Texas was sentenced to 40 years in prison after being convicted by a jury for aggravated robbery. “Women should feel as safe as men to enjoy outdoor exercise without fear of a knife-wielding stranger’s violent attack. This verdict helps protect our citizens from a female predator bent on continuing to terrorize women,” said Willis after sentencing.

On the morning of July 10, 2021, the victim was jogging at Towne Lake Park in McKinney. At approximately 5:30 am, Washington approached the victim from behind, placed a knife to her throat, and dragged her in to a public restroom. He then threw her to the floor, demanded she take off her shirt, and demanded money from her. During the assault, Washington accidently dropped the knife and cut his hand, leading him to flee the scene, but not before telling the victim to “consider yourself lucky.” The victim did not know Washington.

Sergeant Brad Nelson of the McKinney Police Department investigated the case and apprehended Washington within hours of the crime. As a result of the cut to his own hand during the incident, Washington’s DNA was found at the crime scene.

A jury found Washington guilty of aggravated robbery, a first degree felony. During the punishment phase, prosecutors introduced witnesses and evidence for two other serious felonies from Denton County.

In 2019, Washington committed a different aggravated assault – this time with a gun – against a female motel housekeeper. He followed her into a room she was cleaning and assaulted her with a gun.

Then, in June 2021, just weeks before this assault on the McKinney jogger, Washington committed burglary of a habitation by breaking into a home occupied by a mother and her two young daughters. After the father had left for work, Washington broke into the house through a window. He walked into the master bedroom and confronted the mother. He claimed to be a police officer investigating home break-ins in the neighborhood. He instructed her to send her daughters to their rooms. As Washington wrapped his arms around the mother, he told her he wouldn’t hurt her if she did as he said. The mother broke free, got her phone, and called 911. Washington then fled. Police found Washington’s fingerprint on the window.

Both charges are still pending in Denton County.

Judge Rayburn Nall presided over the case and sentenced Washington to 40 years in prison.

Assistant District Attorneys Luke Calhoun and Ashlyn Scott prosecuted the case, assisted by Collin County DA Investigators Michael Coleman, Mike Smith, and Sam Selman.

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July 29, 2022

District Attorney Greg Willis announced that the Collin County Citizen Prosecutor Academy (CCCPA) Fall session will begin Sept. 1.

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. The unique opportunity sheds light on the daily operations and builds a partnership with the community.

Our free, 12-week program will be held each Thursday from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Click here to
read more or complete the online application by Aug. 5, 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 DA and the criminal justice system through open dialogue with the District Attorney’s leadership, while connecting with their community. Upon completion they’ll be ready to share their insights about how the District Attorney’s office partners with law enforcement agencies to pursue justice and protect our community.

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July 28, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Damon White, 50, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced to a maximum prison sentence of 20 years on a total of six charges, including Burglary of a Habitation, Stalking, Repeated Violation of a Protective Order, and Criminal Mischief. “This stalker used probation as an opportunity to make life hell on earth for his ex-wife. He inflicted years of harassment and threats and made her feel unsafe wherever she was, including in her own home. This time, the criminal justice system punished a repeat offender with the maximum punishment allowable under the law,” said Willis after sentencing.

The victim filed for divorce from White in 2019 and obtained a protective order shortly thereafter. White began to stalk the victim by sending threatening texts, leaving voicemails, and rendering multiple cars driven by the victim and her family inoperable. He subsequently broke into her apartment using a screwdriver and took various items. He was arrested in 2019 at her apartment complex after evading from police and was found dressed in all black, wearing latex gloves, and in possession of a knife.

In January 2021, White pleaded guilty to five charges and punishment was assessed by the judge. He was placed on probation and ordered to have an electronic leg monitor, have no contact with the victim or her family, and to not return to the City of Allen, among other conditions.

In September of 2021, the victim and her family began receiving new communications from White, in violation of his probation. The increasingly disturbing communications culminated in a recorded phone call in which White issued a graphic threat to kill the victim. White cut off his GPS monitoring device and was unable to be located. After tracking White’s vehicle inside the city limits of Allen, Allen Police relocated the victim and her family for their safety.

The case was investigated by the Allen Police Department with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Collin County District Attorney’s Office. Multiple agencies assisted in arresting White on October 30, 2021 for a subsequent Stalking charge. At the time of his arrest, White had completely changed his appearance by cutting his hair and dying his hair and beard. White also had a handgun in his possession.

White again pleaded guilty to the court on his five original charges in violation of his probation and the new stalking charge.  During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors presented evidence from White’s cell phone that included threatening and harassing text messages to the victim, the recorded phone call where White threatened to kill the victim, and Google searches for “spying on someone’s phone,” “reverse license plate search,” and background check requests for the victim.  The victim also testified during the sentencing hearing.

Judge Angela Tucker presided over the case and sentenced White to the maximum allowable punishment in each case.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Mollie Thompson, Abby Policastro, and Cresta Garland prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Robin Laughon, Victim Assistance Coordinator Rebecca Royer, and Legal Secretary Melissa White.

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July 14, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Carmen Moreno, 26, of Rio Grande City, was sentenced to life in prison for her role in the murders of Jimmy Michael “Mike” Farris and Theresa Coomes. “Murdering even one person is unthinkable to most law abiding citizens. But viciously stabbing to death two of our citizens just to get some quick cash is a crime worthy of life in prison,” added Willis after sentencing. 

In the late evening of November 17, 2019, a deputy with the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office made a routine traffic stop of a female driver along I-35 near Hewitt, Texas, south of Waco.  The sole occupant of that vehicle acted suspiciously and provided inconsistent statements about the vehicle she drove and where she came from.

During that encounter, Carmen Moreno pulled up in a separate vehicle and approached the responding deputies who conducted the traffic stop, identifying herself as a friend of the female who was detained.  One of the deputies noticed what looked like blood on Moreno’s clothing and asked Moreno where she came from.  When Moreno mentioned an incident in Plano, deputies ran the vehicle information, which showed that Moreno was driving a vehicle belonging to Coomes and the other suspect was driving a vehicle belonging to Farris.

Deputies conducted a search of both vehicles and located knives and additional evidence consistent with blood.  McLennan County deputies contacted Plano authorities to do a welfare check on the victims’ residence. Farris and Coomes were found deceased inside Farris’ Plano home due to multiple stab wounds.

Further investigation, including cell phone communications and witness interviews, connected the suspects to the victims on the same day as the traffic stop and as the last people to have seen the victims alive.  The investigation also revealed that Moreno and her cohort had stolen items from the victims’ residence and used Farris’ credit and debit cards at multiple locations along southbound I-35 in the hours after the homicides.  Both Moreno and the other female driver were charged in the murders of the victims.

Judge George Flint sentenced Moreno to life in prison.  The co-defendant’s case remains pending.

The case was investigated by the Plano Police Department and the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant Criminal District Attorney Marcia Taylor prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Dale Lundberg.

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