Shaun Puente found guilty of capital murder

During a five week trial, Shaun Puente was found guilty of capital murder for the death of San Antonio Police Officer Robert Deckard by an Atascosa County jury. After the punishment portion of the trial, the jury deadlocked and was unable to reach a verdict to determine if Puente should receive the death penalty or life without the possibility of parole. Once the jury notified the court, Honorable 81st District Judge Donna Rayes declared a mistrial, and sentenced Shaun Puente to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

In Texas, to receive the death penalty, a jury must reach a unanimous verdict. The District Attorney’s Office strongly believed the death penalty was appropriate for the killing of Officer Deckard, and Puente’s extensive, violent, criminal past. The case was prosecuted by 81st District Attorney Audrey Louis, Assistant DA Marc Ledet, and Texas Assistant Attorney General William Turner. Special thanks to Paralegals Jeanette Whitehead, Carly Rakowitz, and Investigators Mike Kelly and Ray Talamantez for assisting in Puente’s prosecution.

Perez sentenced to 35 years in prison

convicted Ariel’s then boyfriend, Joe Anthony Perez, in the December 2015 fatal stabbing, as well as the stabbing of Ariel’s brother, Richard Luebano. The Honorable Judge Phillip Kazan then sentenced Perez to 35 years in prison for Ariel’s death, and 10 years for the stabbing of Luebano. Thank you to Texas Ranger Terry Synder, Poteet Police Department Lt. Frank Leal, prosecutors April Ayers-Perez and Brad Thornton for their dedication to ensuring justice for Ariel. We are grateful for the service of the jury.

Mr. Daniel Laque, Sr. was convicted and sentenced in Atascosa County to 60 years in prison

After going to trial before the court for sexually assaulting his step-granddaughter beginning when she was 6 and continuing until she was 14, Mr. Daniel Laque, Sr. was convicted and sentenced in Atascosa County to 60 years in prison today by the Honorable Judge Donna Rayes.

Because his step-granddaughter had the courage to tell, Mr. Laque can never harm another child. Thank you to Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office Investigator, Albert Garza, Assistant DA Marc Ledet, and Crime’s Against Children Prosecutor, Leslie Carranza for fighting for justice for our children.

Adam Nunez sentenced to 70 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child

After a contested hearing today in Karnes County, the Honorable Judge Donna Rayes sentenced Adam Nunez to 70 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. Nunez molested his 6 year old biological daughter multiple times. Because of his daughter’s courage to tell someone, Nunez will never have the opportunity to hurt another child. Nunez must serve 30 years of his sentence before even being eligible for parole. Thank you to our Crimes Against Children Prosecutor, Leslie Carranza, for fighting to protect our children!

Philip Aguero sentenced to serve the remainder of his 18 year sentence

Today in Karnes County District Court, Philip Aguero, was sentenced to serve the remainder of his 18 year sentence he received as a juvenile for the February 2015 heinous murder of John Anthony Estrada. Co-defendant, Michaelraie Gonzales, was previously sentenced to 20 years prison; and another defendant Frederick Perez, was previously sentenced to 30 years in prison. John Anthony Estrada was stabbed 42 times by the defendants, whom he considered to be his friends. We hope this sentence can provide some peace and closure for the family of John Anthony Estrada.

Ricardo Ferdin sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murder/suicide attempt

After a contested sentencing hearing on July 19, 2017 in Atascosa County, District Judge Russell Wilson sentenced Ricardo Ferdin to 40 years in prison for the murder/suicide attempt in which Ferdin shot his wife of 41 years 4 times. Mrs. Ferdin survived the multiple injuries and testified against the defendant. All seven of the couple’s grandchildren were home at the time of the shooting. Ferdin must serve 1/2 of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. He is 60 years of age. Justice served.

Kristi Collins was found guilty of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

The 81st Judicial District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the 12 members of our Wilson County community for their dedication to performing their civic duty as jurors in trial this week. Kristi Collins was found guilty of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Public Servant, after she pointed a shotgun at a Wilson County Sheriff’s Deputy back in February of 2016. The jury sentenced Collins to 7 ½ years in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and a $10,000 fine. Thank you to all our law enforcement for risking their lives every single day to keep our communities safe and secure.

 

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