Gilbert Ray Burrell, a 22-year-old landscaper from Kingsville, Texas, was shot and killed during a party on January 8, 2015. Police say Hugo Rangel-Botello shot Burrell multiple times in the head after an altercation at the event; Rangel-Botello was arrested by Kingsville police shortly after the incident. Rangel-Botello claimed he acted in self-defense, but prosecutors presented evidence contesting that claim.

The first trial ended in a mistrial after a hung jury. In a later retrial Rangel-Botello pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 25 years, and he was also convicted of tampering with evidence and received a 10-year sentence.

The victim’s mother approved the plea agreement before it was finalized.