A Texas man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for killing a tattoo artist during an argument and walking away with the gun.
Texas Man Sentenced for Murder
Raymond Hernandez, 33, was sentenced by Judge Jennifer Pena of the 290th Criminal District Court in Bexar County. The defendant was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of 46-year-old tattoo artist Leonel Chavez, Jr.
The Incident
The murder happened on April 2, 2021, at a friend’s house on West Baetz Boulevard in San Antonio. Chavez was giving someone a tattoo when an argument broke out between him and Hernandez. According to the district attorney, Hernandez pulled out a gun and shot Chavez.
A witness at the scene said they heard the gunshot, saw Chavez fall, and reported the shooting after confronting Hernandez. Hernandez then fled the scene but was captured on surveillance less than a mile away still carrying the gun. Reports indicate he had originally been at the residence to get a tattoo.
Court Verdict
Hernandez was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 45 years in prison. Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales praised the verdict.
“Today’s conviction and sentencing uphold our commitment to holding offenders accountable and reassure our community that we will continue to work diligently to protect and serve,” Gonzales said.
