A Texas teenager faces murder charges connected to an incident that happened when she was 16 years old. She is one of three defendants charged with capital murder for the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old victim shot in a Texas apartment in 2019. One of the other defendants confessed to shooting the victim and shooting and injuring another man during the attempted robbery. She faces criminal charges as an adult even though she was 16 years old at the time of the crime.
The female teenager who is charged with capital murder claims she was a sex trafficking victim. She claims that she was sex trafficked by one of the other defendants when the killing occurred. She claims that her co-defendant forced her to perform sex acts on the shooting victims and experienced physical threats and death threats should she not comply. Her family has circulated an online petition for her release that has garnered over 33,000 signatures. Her case has also been featured on a popular podcast that discusses wrongful convictions.
Her Defense Team Claims Her Case Showcases a Broken System
Her criminal defense team has stated that her case reflects a broken criminal justice system. Her defense lawyer portrays her as a victim who should not face trial as an adult. As part of her defense strategy, she contends that her two co-defendants set up the crime. She claims they wanted to frame her for luring the victims into the apartment to have sex. she claims that her co-defendants allegedly said that the other co-defendant stated that he “ripped her off.” Her mother claims that she seemed drugged when she came home after the incident.
On the other hand, the prosecution claims that she and her co-defendant were in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship and that she was not a sex trafficking victim. However, under Texas law, adults of any age cannot have sexual contact with children under 17, even if it is consensual. She has already rejected a plea deal for 10 years in prison. If convicted of capital murder and the other criminal charges against her, she will face up to 40 years in prison. Prosecutors have not backed down.
Defending Against Murder Charges in Texas
If you are facing murder charges of any kind in Texas, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Your lawyer will be able to review your case and create a legal defense strategy. The defendant mentioned above claims that she was a victim herself who was forced to the scene of the crime under duress. Other criminal defenses include creating an alibi that proves you are not in the area in which the crime happened when it happened.
Contact a Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing murder charges, Abel Law Firm can help. We have successfully represented clients charged with murder and other serious felonies. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation to learn how we can fight for your rights.