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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June 28, 2022

(McKINNEY, Texas) — “Today I am proud to announce that the Grand Jury of Collin County has indicted Billy Chemirmir for four additional cases of capital murder,” said District Attorney Greg Willis.

“These indictments should serve as a reminder that every victim of a violent crime deserves to have their case investigated and prosecuted, and Collin County law enforcement and prosecutors will work every day to hold violent offenders accountable. I’d like to thank the Grand Jury for their diligent consideration of these cases, and I’d like to recognize the Frisco Police Department and the Plano Police Department for their investigative efforts that led to these indictments,” added Willis.

The cases encompassed in today’s indictments are victim Marilyn Bixler, age 90, murdered in Frisco on Sept. 17, 2017; victim Diane Delahunty, age 79, murdered in Plano on Dec. 3, 2017; victim Helen Lee, age 82, murdered in Frisco on Sept. 2, 2017; and victim Mamie Miya, age 93, murdered in Plano on Dec. 8, 2017.

Chemirmir has been previously indicted in Collin County in five cases of capital murder and two cases of attempted capital murder. These cases remain pending awaiting the October 2022 trial of Chemirmir in Dallas County. Accordingly, the Collin County District Attorney’s Office will have no further comment.

At the request of the families involved in today’s cases, the District Attorney’s Office is releasing their joint statement:

“We the families and loved ones of Marilyn Bixler, Diane Delahunty, Helen Lee, and Mamie Miya are grateful to hear of today’s four additional capital murder indictments. These indictments are another step in holding Billy Chemirmir accountable for the full extent of his horrible crimes. We’d like to thank police and prosecutors for listening to us, and for their continued efforts to see that justice is done for all the victims and their loved ones.”

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June 21, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Ladarus Keys, 29, of DeSoto, was found guilty of Capital Murder by a jury and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “Detective Aaron Benzick’s relentless investigation brought a brutal murderer to justice.  May this jury’s verdict bring some comfort to the victim’s family,” added Willis. 

On November 7, 2017, Plano police officers responded to 911 calls reporting shots fired and found Christopher Collinvitti lying dead in the entrance of his garage. Collinvitti, an engineer at Raytheon, was shot twice in the head upon returning to his home. Investigators were left with no possible suspects after questioning neighbors and collecting evidence from the scene.

After two years, neighborhood surveillance video helped lead investigator Plano Police Department Detective Aaron Benzick identify a potential suspect vehicle. Rewards were increased and local news outlets re-ran the story in hopes of discovering new information, but to no avail. In December 2019, police matched shell casings from Collinvitti’s murder to shell casings left behind from other violent offenses in Dallas County that occurred within days of the 2017 murder.

By late 2020, Detective Benzick used this information in conjunction with social media, cell phone extractions, and witness interviews, to identify Ladarus Keys and two other suspects as responsible for the crime. None of the suspects knew the victim.

All three were charged with capital murder for killing Collinvitti during an attempt to rob him. A witness at trial identified Keys as the gunman. Keys has a lengthy criminal history, including a prison sentence for robbery. The other two suspects are being held in the Collin County jail awaiting trial.

The case was primarily investigated by the Plano Police Department, with the assistance of the Dallas Police Department and the Garland Police Department.

Judge Jennifer Edgeworth presided over the case and assessed the automatic punishment at life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Dewey Mitchell and Christina Skipper prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Sarah Putman and Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix.

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June 16, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Mark Hutson, 53, of Whitewright, was sentenced by a jury to 40 years in prison for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, and 15 and 10 years on related charges, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Perpetrating a decade’s worth of sexual assaults on a child is beyond revolting and disgusting. In the end, the victim’s courage will bring 40 straight years of consequences to this predator,” said Willis after sentencing.

Hutson had ongoing access to the child through a relationship with the child’s family. Hutson sexually abused the child from the time the child was 6 years old until 16 years old. The child moved to a different state a year later, when the child was 17. In 2019, at 23 years old, the victim reported the abuse to the Allen Police Department.

Allen Detective Julian Adames investigated the case. The child was forensically interviewed at the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center, where the child disclosed details about the decade of abuse.

Judge Don Adams presided over the jury trial. At trial, the jury also heard evidence of Hutson’s three prior convictions for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Two of those were from Illinois in the early 90’s. The third involved multiple firearms and was prosecuted federally in the Eastern District of Texas in 2015.

The jury found Hutson guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, and Sexual Assault of a Child. The jury assessed punishment at 40 years in prison, 15 years in prison, and 10 years in prison, respectively. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Ashleigh Woodall and Kailey Gillman prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Gregory Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Shaunette Bronson.

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June 8, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – James Gutierrez, 38, of Plano, Texas, was sentenced to life in prison for aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “No one should ever be in fear of being assaulted by a stranger while picking up dinner on the way home from work, let alone suffer a fatal punch. While it can’t bring the deceased victim back to his family, the jury’s verdict of life in prison is the right answer for a long-term, violently dangerous man who preys upon unsuspecting people just trying to enjoy their lives,” stated Willis after sentencing.

On July 31, 2020, the victim stopped at Little Caesars Pizza on E. Parker Road in Plano, ordered a pizza and waited inside.  Gutierrez and his fiancé arrived a short time later, and also ordered a pizza.  Gutierrez and his fiancé left shortly after ordering their pizza, and waited in their car.

Surveillance video collected from the Little Caesars showed there was no interaction between the victim and the defendant or his fiancé inside the store.  When the victim walked outside with his pizza, he set it on the hood of his truck and was called over by Gutierrez.  Gutierrez got out of his car as the victim walked over, and within seconds, Gutierrez punched the victim in the head with a closed fist.

An eye witness testified at trial that the victim looked confused as Gutierrez yelled at him.  The eye witness said the victim never raised his hands towards Gutierrez, and Gutierrez punched the victim with a closed fist so fast the victim never had a chance to defend himself.  Gutierrez and his fiancé fled the scene in their car.

Plano Police Department Officers Richard Varner, Luke Bedford, and EMS personnel arrived and found the victim completely unresponsive.  The victim was punched so hard he suffered a fracture on the front forehead that traveled along the top of the skull and ultimately caused his death. Officer Bedford recognized Gutierrez from the surveillance video.  Detective Robyn Busby investigated the case.

A Collin County jury convicted Gutierrez of aggravated assault. During the punishment hearing, prosecutors presented evidence that Gutierrez assaulted his fiancé while on bond, was a gang member, and had been previously convicted of several felonies, including aggravated assault, retaliation, burglary of a habitation, failure to register as a sex offender, and robbery.  The jury assessed punishment at life in prison.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashley Briggs and Justin Dotzel prosecuted the case and were assisted by District Attorney Investigator Mike Smith. Judge Tom Nowak presided over the case.

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June 7, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Ricky Stevenson, 29, of Mesquite, Texas, was sentenced by a Collin County jury to 59 years in prison for aggravated kidnapping, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “It’s a parent’s worst nightmare for their own child to be forcibly prostituted by a human trafficker. We’ve now secured justice by forcing that trafficker to pay the consequences. We thank this jury for a sentence that’s both strong and just,” said Willis after sentencing.

On January 23, 2021, Stevenson took a female to a nail salon in Plano, Texas.  After paying for their services and exiting the salon, Stevenson was seen punching the female so hard that she fell to the ground. Stevenson then grabbed her, dragged her by her hair and clothes, and threw her in his car. The female was able to stumble out of the car in an attempt to get away from Stevenson. Stevenson grabbed her by the hair a second time and attempted to throw her back into the car, but she was able to escape and run to safety of eye witnesses who had started to approach in an attempt to intervene. The assault was captured on surveillance cameras.

Plano Police Department Detective Aaron Benzick investigated this case. His investigation revealed that the female had been prostituted by Stevenson beginning at age 16, and she was only 17 at the time of the assault.

The jury found Stevenson guilty of the first degree felony. During the punishment phase of trial, Detective Benzick testified that he identified at least two other women that Stevenson had been prostituting, one of whom he had also physically assaulted. Prosecutors presented evidence that Stevenson had previous felony convictions for Assault family Violence Impeding Breathe and Assault Family Violence with a Previous Conviction. The jury also heard about Stevenson’s social media posts, boasting about being a pimp and controlling women.  The jury assessed punishment at 59 years in prison.

Judge Angela Tucker presided over the case.

Assistant District Attorneys Ann Mathew and Dewey Mitchell prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland and Assistant District Attorney John Rolater.

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