by | Published
San Antonio, TX — A San Antonio man has been sentenced to four 50-year prison terms after being convicted in multiple violent crimes, including two murders.
Judge Kristina Escalona of the 186th District Court sentenced Jer Auntey Pleasant on March 6. The sentences were issued for the murders of Larry Wilson and Joseph West, along with aggravated robbery and aggravated sexual assault of a child. All sentences will run concurrently.
According to prosecutors, Pleasant committed two murders on consecutive days in April 2023.
On April 14, Larry Wilson was found shot to death inside his vehicle. Investigators later accessed Wilson’s phone and discovered messages between Wilson and Pleasant, who had used the name “Derek” while communicating through the Grindr app.
The next day, April 15, Joseph West was found inside his apartment with a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators discovered key evidence linking Pleasant to both crime scenes. Fingerprints matching Pleasant were recovered, and ballistic testing confirmed the same firearm was used in both shootings.
Authorities said Pleasant had also committed two other violent crimes the year before the murders.
In March 2022, he carried out an aggravated robbery after meeting the victim through the Grindr app and shooting the victim during the robbery attempt.
In July 2022, Pleasant sexually assaulted a 13-year-old child. DNA evidence later identified him as the perpetrator.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Melissa Rust and Caleb Bortner of the Criminal Trial Division, along with Brittany Mitchell of the Family Violence Division. Victim Advocate Laura Covarrubias and Investigator Jim Cheatham also assisted in the case.
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said the sentencing represents accountability for the victims and their families.
“While today’s outcome will never restore the lives that were lost, it represents a step toward justice for the victims and their loved ones,” Gonzales said.
