BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – Recently, two families in Bexar County faced the painful aftermath of a tragic double murder that took place earlier this year. On Monday, Lazerith Carrillo, the man accused of killing Alyssa Perez and Edward Acosta Jimenez, accepted a plea deal that has left these families feeling frustrated and unheard.
Carrillo, who is only 22 years old, took a plea deal that resulted in a 50-year prison sentence for the murders. This deal came after the shocking events of January 27, 2023, when Jimenez’s mother found her son and Perez dead in a car outside her home.
After the discovery of the bodies, police arrested Carrillo just hours later while he attempted to carjack a vehicle. Authorities found him in possession of Perez’s cellphone, and his gun matched the shell casings at the crime scene. Initially charged with capital murder, which could have led to life imprisonment, Carrillo’s charges were reduced after negotiations.
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales praised the efforts of law enforcement and the prosecution team in securing the plea deal. He stated, “Because of their relentless pursuit of the truth, we were able to ensure that the individual responsible for this tragic crime faced the consequences of their actions.” However, the families of the victims felt differently.
Frustration Over the Process
Aimee Perez, Alyssa’s mother, and Jessica Acosta, Edward’s sister, expressed their disappointment, stating they had expected the case to go to trial. “We waited three years for this. I wanted it,” Aimee shared, emphasizing her desire for answers and justice.
Their concerns grew when they learned about the plea deal just days before it was finalized. Acosta explained, “They called us at 5 o’clock on Friday, and they did want us to have something ready for Monday. Everything was rushed.” The families felt unprepared, especially since they had expected to start a trial soon.
The DA’s Response
In response to the families’ concerns, a spokesperson for the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office stated that they had reached out to the families about the plea agreement. “We understand that this was not the end result the families were seeking,” they said, emphasizing that every detail of the case was considered before finalizing the plea deal.
Despite this, Acosta felt deceived, sharing that the DA’s office had described the case as a “slam dunk.” He expressed his disappointment, saying, “They lied to us, every single day for those three years. We wanted our day in court. We wanted justice, which was not given to us.”
Moving Forward
As the families navigate this difficult time, they remain committed to honoring their loved ones. “We’re going to be her voice. We’re all who she has right now,” Aimee stated passionately, affirming their resolve to ensure that Carrillo serves his full sentence. “We will be there every single time to protest his release, so that he serves every single day of those 50 years,” Acosta added, highlighting their determination to seek justice for Alyssa and Edward.
