Background and Crime
A 20-year-old man, James Sotelo, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murder of 17-year-old Corey Leonard Thompson, Jr. The incident occurred in March 2021, when Sotelo shot Thompson 11 times, all shots sustained from the back. Sotelo claimed self-defense, stating Thompson attacked him in his sleep, but this was disproven in court.
Trial and Sentencing
The trial took place in the 232nd court under Judge Josh Hill. Despite Sotelo’s claim of self-defense, the jury found him guilty after four hours of deliberation. Judge Hill, known for lowering Sotelo’s bond twice before the trial, sentenced him to 40 years in prison. Sotelo must serve at least 20 years before being eligible for parole.
Family’s Reaction
Thompson’s family expressed a mixture of relief and continued grief. They appreciated the jury’s verdict and the sentence, though they felt a life sentence would have been more appropriate given their own permanent loss. The family shared that many victims’ families do not get to see even a small measure of justice, which they were grateful to receive.