BROWNSVILLE — After deliberating only a few hours, a jury sentenced a Primera man to 40 years for the murder of a Houston man last February.
The jury also sentenced Gregorio Ramirez to 20 years for the arson of a vehicle.
The sentences will run concurrently in the case of the murder of Jose Filiberto Casillas, 33, of Houston.
Harlingen police said the case started when they got a call about a possible shooting at the Best Western Hotel along I-69E. Witnesses reported hearing people arguing in a Ford pickup and then a possible gunshot.
They told police they saw a muzzle flash as the truck left the area.
“The murder of Mr. Casillas was a heinous crime and the burning of a vehicle to conceal the evidence of his murder devious,” the DA’s office said in a statement. “I would like to thank the jury for showing that the people of Cameron County will not stand idly by when criminals commit deplorable senseless acts.
“A special thank you to Chief Jeffry Adickes, and the fine men and women of the Harlingen Police Department. HPD investigated this case. Their hard work was essential to holding Ramirez accountable for his actions.”
