Senator Paul Bettencourt (R) successfully passed Senate Bill 990 through the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, led by Chairman, Senator Pete Flores (R), who immediately called it for a vote. This legislation aims to strengthen Texas’ capital murder statute by expanding protections for victims aged 10-15, ensuring that those who commit heinous crimes against children face the maximum penalty under state law.
“This is just horrific evil out there that has to be stopped, and the slaughter of innocents has to stop,” Senator Bettencourt said.
SB 990 was introduced in response to the tragic murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Harris County in June 2024.
The Senate Bill includes several key provisions to ensure stronger protection for young victims. SB 990 Expands capital murder Eligibility from under 10 years old to 15 years old with convicted offenders facing the death penalty or life in prison without parole. It also provides law enforcement and prosecutors with stronger legal basis to pursue capital punishment for those who murder children, potentially deterring future crimes.
During the committee hearing, April Aguirre, aunt of 11-year-old Arlene Alvarez, delivered powerful testimony, expressing the need for change in the legal system.
“It’s terrifying, and it is sad that we don’t have this already in place, and it was hard for me to explain to Mr. Gonzales that the death penalty wasn’t on the table for a man that had no mercy on his daughter. Why are we having mercy on monsters?” Aguirre said.
Sen. Bettencourt echoed Aguirre’s concerns, sharing his surprise that the death penalty had not been extended to at least 15-year-olds.
“When I heard about the lack of the death penalty for an injustice case, I asked the same question.” Sen. Bettencourt concluded, “What I hope is that Jocelyn and Maria’s deaths are not in vain, that there is a deterrence in the future. If we save just one child because of this…”
SB 990 now moves to the full Senate for further debate and consideration. Bettencourt has requested Chairman Smithee to carry the bill in the House.
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