by | Published
SAN ANTONIO, Texas. - A 19-year-old man was sentenced Friday to 25 years in prison for the 2023 carjacking that led to the death of an 80-year-old San Antonio man, according to the Bexar County District Attorney's Office.
Zachariah Aguirre received the sentence on July 10 for the murder of Larry Brister, who died after suffering catastrophic injuries during the carjacking.
Prosecutors said that in February 2023, Aguirre, who was 15 years old at the time, tricked Brister into getting out of his pickup truck by telling him to inspect one of the vehicle's tires.
After Brister exited the truck, Aguirre climbed into the driver's seat and drove away. Authorities said Brister attempted to stop the theft but was dragged by the vehicle as Aguirre fled.
Brister sustained severe injuries and remained hospitalized for several months before later dying from those injuries.
According to prosecutors, Aguirre is the first of three co-defendants involved in the case to be sentenced and the last to accept a plea agreement.
Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Rebecca Gorham and Cynthia Olson prosecuted the case with assistance from Victim Advocate Becky Garza and Investigator Bruce Hallonquist.
"Today's sentencing reinforces the message that every individual, regardless of their age, must face the ramifications of their actions," District Attorney Joe Gonzales said in a statement. "While no amount of time will ever bring Mr. Brister back, we wish his loved ones strength and comfort as they begin their journey toward healing."
