by | Published
SAN DIEGO, Texas - A Duval County jury has convicted a 48-year-old man of murder and sentenced him to 50 years in prison for the 2021 killing of 52-year-old Denise Godsey Decoteau of Freer, TX.
Following a two-week trial, a 12-member jury found Luis Daniel Rodriguez Jr. guilty of murder on July 28 after approximately two hours and 45 minutes of deliberations. During the punishment phase of the trial, the same jury sentenced Rodriguez to 50 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The case was prosecuted by 229th Judicial District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez, First Assistant District Attorney Alexandria Barrera and Assistant District Attorney Roxanna Ramirez. Rodriguez was represented by defense attorneys Hilda Gonzalez Garza and Jose Maria "Chema" Garza.
According to evidence presented at trial, Decoteau was killed on her birthday, April 9, 2021, after suffering multiple stab wounds and being run over by a vehicle.
Prosecutors presented witness testimony, forensic evidence, digital evidence and statements made by Rodriguez during the investigation. The State also introduced evidence alleging Rodriguez repeatedly lied to investigators, deleted evidence from his cellphone and provided multiple inconsistent accounts of the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The investigation was conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety's Texas Rangers Division, the United States Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, the Freer Police Department and the Duval County Sheriff's Office.
"This conviction reflects the dedication of law enforcement, forensic professionals, victim advocates, and prosecutors who worked tirelessly to seek justice for Denise Godsey Decoteau," District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez said in a statement. "We are grateful to the jury for its faithful service and careful consideration of the evidence. Their verdict sends a clear message that violent crime will be met with accountability and justice."
The 229th Judicial District Attorney's Office also thanked Decoteau's family for their patience, strength and trust throughout the lengthy legal process.
Because Luis Daniel Rodriguez Jr. has been convicted and sentenced, the case has been adjudicated.
