In a landmark verdict, a 28-year-old man, Luis Alejandro Valencia, has been sentenced to 55 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for the brutal murder of Erik Villeda, a beloved husband and father of two. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, expressing gratitude towards the jury's decision, emphasized the necessity of justice in holding Valencia accountable for his egregious actions.

The tragic incident unfolded on February 12, 2022, outside a club nestled in a south Houston shopping center along the Gulf Freeway. Valencia, driven by unknown motives, targeted Villeda, whom he located after learning of marital discord between Villeda and his wife. Valencia's callous act of violence, executed in broad daylight, shattered the lives of Villeda's family and community.

During the trial, witnesses recounted the chilling sequence of events. Valencia, adorned in a cowboy hat and face mask, beckoned Villeda over from the parking lot while seated in his mother's small Subaru SUV. As tensions escalated, Valencia, without provocation, brandished a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, unleashing a barrage of gunfire that struck Villeda fatally in the back. The perpetrator callously abandoned the scene, leaving behind incriminating evidence—a cowboy hat bearing his DNA.

The Houston Police Department swiftly responded to the scene, collecting crucial evidence, including surveillance footage and the discarded cowboy hat. Valencia's brazen attempt to evade justice was thwarted when he was apprehended the following day at Bush Intercontinental Airport, armed with knives and ammunition. Subsequently, while incarcerated, Valencia faced additional charges for attempted escape, indicative of his disregard for the law.

Assistant District Attorney Andrew Figliuzzi, alongside ADA Erandy Marquez, meticulously prosecuted the case, ensuring that Valencia was held accountable for his reprehensible actions. Figliuzzi denounced the senseless violence that plagues communities and affirmed the significance of the verdict—55 years in prison and a $10,000 fine—as a testament to the community's resolve against gun violence.

As Houston grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the sentencing of Luis Alejandro Valencia serves as a beacon of justice and a solemn reminder of the consequences of senseless violence. Through collective determination and unwavering advocacy, we strive to build safer communities for all.

For more info, visit Harris County District Attorney