A local jury has sentenced Luis Alberto Herrera to life in prison for each count related to a 2022 shooting and standoff, according to a news release from the District Attorneys’ Office.
The trial was held before the Hon. Jay Weatherby in the 340th District Court in San Angelo, beginning on Dec. 15.
Court records state that on Jan. 16, 2022, Herrera entered a San Angelo residence while armed and shot a woman in the back before fleeing the scene and barricading himself inside a nearby RV.
Police say Herrera used an assault rifle to fire at least eight shots at officers during a four hour standoff.
Following his arrest, Herrera was charged with one count of Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Bodily Injury with a Deadly Weapon on a Household Member, and four counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Public Servant.
After hearing the trial testimony and reviewing the evidence, prosecutors say the jury deliberated for about 1.5 hours before handing down their verdict of “Guilty” on all charges.
The defendant elected to have the jury assess his punishment, and they heard then from the woman who had been shot, and from the officers involved in the standoff.
The female victim detailed how she learned the defendant was having an inappropriate relationship with her 14-year-old daughter, and subsequently ordered him out of the house. According to court records, Herrera was 38 at the time.
She said the defendant continued to return to her home, and on at least two occasions pointed a gun at her.
Officers involved in the standoff testified that they were concerned about whether they would ever get to see their families again.
The jury opted to punish Herrera with the maximum sentence of life in prison, and a fine of $10,000, on each charge.
The jury was dismissed with the thanks of the Court.
The case was successfully prosecuted by Asst. District Attorneys Alexandra Porter and Jensen Martinez, who issued this statement following the proceedings on Dec. 18.
“We want to thank the jury for their time, attention, and careful consideration in this case. We hope the verdicts provide healing and closure to the victims of these tragic and traumatic events.
“Everyday the men and women in law enforcement put their safety on the line to serve and protect our community, which unfortunately, is no stranger to dangerous and violent criminals.
“We want to applaud the men and women of the San Angelo Police Department for their dedication, coordination, and professionalism on this case. The District Attorneys’ Office takes these offenses very seriously and appreciates the jury recognizing the importance of this case and giving the maximum punishment.”
According to Tom Green County Jail records, Herrera has been arrested numerous times for a wide variety of offences dating back to 2005, with 22 separate records listed.
