Both suspects involved in the shooting death of a 15-year-old boy in Wichita Falls have pleaded guilty to murder charges. Ricardo Felix Sapata and Isaiah Rey Sims initially faced capital murder charges but agreed to plead guilty to the lesser charge.
Sapata, who fired the fatal shots that killed Andrew Gable-Triche, received a sentence of 37 years in prison. Sims, the second person involved in the crime, was sentenced to 15 years. Both individuals may be eligible for parole after serving half of their respective sentences.
The shooting occurred during a drug deal gone wrong. On June 1, 2022, police received a call reporting a shooting near the intersection of 23rd Street and Holliday Road. Gable-Triche was rushed to a hospital by friends at the scene but was pronounced dead from two gunshot wounds.
Witnesses recounted that the shooter took a bag of marijuana from Gable-Triche before fleeing with an accomplice. Sapata was apprehended at his residence a few hours after the incident and identified Sims as the second person involved. Sims confirmed Sapata's role as the shooter upon his arrest.
At the time of the crime, Sims was 17 years old, while Sapata was only 16. However, Judge Meredith Kennedy ruled that Sapata would be tried as an adult since he turned 17 in April.
During the sentencing hearing, Gable-Triche's mother, aunt, and sister delivered impact statements. Although expressing forgiveness as individuals, they vowed to never forget or forgive the killers, emphasizing the lasting impact of their actions.
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