The suspect accused of shooting his 16-year-old girlfriend 22 times, killing her, accepted a plea deal of 45 years on Tuesday morning.
A Harris County judge offered 19-year-old Frank Deleon Jr. the plea deal at what was supposed to be a bond hearing after he was rearrested Monday for failure to show up to court on the first day of trial.
Deleon pled guilty to killing Diamond Alvarez and was handed the 45-year sentence which was supported by the victim’s family. He was potentially facing life in prison.
Since he accepted the deal, Deleon will not be able to appeal his case and will also not be eligible for parole until he has served at least 22 and a half years.
According to KPRC 2 reporter Sabirah Rayford, a brawl took place after the sentencing inside the courtroom. Rayford said a man inside the courtroom walked toward Deleon, jumped over a desk, and attacked him. That man was then reportedly tased by officers. Rayford added that it took several officers to separate the man and Deleon.
Following the brawl, the victim’s family spoke in a news conference and shared how they felt about the plea.
The trial, which was set to begin on Monday, Oct. 16, was delayed after Deleon’s defense attorneys said that the suspect had been injured from being in a car accident while on his way to court. A warrant was issued for Deleon’s arrest and he was later taken into custody while at Ben Taub Hospital.
The judge had ordered an immediate hearing for 9 a.m. Tuesday to decide if Deleon’s bond will be reinstated or if he’ll remain in jail for the duration of the trial.
Defense attorney Joaquin Jimenez told KPRC 2 that his client was “not running from the charges.”
Deleon is accused of shooting Alvarez, his then-girlfriend, back in 2022.
Police said they believe Alvarez and Deleon were involved in a love triangle with another teen. Alvarez eventually found out about the other relationship and arranged to meet Deleon on Jan. 11, 2022, at night at a park in the 15400 block of Park Manor.
Alvarez went outside that evening to walk her dog, then her family said they heard gunshots. They later found her body in a field with 22 bullet wounds.
Deleon was arrested six days after the shooting but was released a day later after posting a $250,000 bond. He was arrested a second time in April 2022 for violating his bond conditions and then released again.
RELATED:
Prosecutors: Teen suspect pulled gun on victim, previous girlfriend before deadly shooting
Teen suspect accused of shooting 16-year-old 22 times free on bond, court records say
‘Why is he out?’: Mother of teen shot 22 times wants alleged killer back in jail
In an effort to help victims, KPRC 2 News created a series, “Breaking Free,” reporting on domestic-related violence and its horrific consequences. The series showcased various stories of survival, heartache, and some even ending in death, but each shared a list of free domestic violence resources on how to get help.Do you know someone in need of help? KPRC 2 released the following features in “Breaking Free.”
Help is also available immediately if you need it through the following numbers:
- Houston Area Women’s Center: (713) 528-2121
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799−7233
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.