Greg Willis

personal feed - Collin County District Attorney. Grateful American & Texan. Effective criminal justice = always accountable, sometimes transformative.

[Greg Willis @gregwillisda]

@realmitchlittle @stroh92 @byronkhenry @AskKeresa @KatrinaPierson @leachfortexas @MattShaheen Incredible. I knew H but even after attending his funeral, didn’t know about most of his heroism. Wow!

[Collin County DA @collincountyda]

DA Greg Willis: McKinney Man Gets Life Without Parole for Capital Murder in Planned Robbery

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Donte Murry, 26, of McKinney, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for Capital Murder after a Collin County jury convicted him.

The Crime

On April 28, 2024, around 2:00 p.m., @McKinneyPolice Department responded to reports of gunfire in a neighborhood. Witnesses observed a man approach a white vehicle parked on the street, argue with the occupant, and fire multiple shots. After the shooting, the suspect returned to the vehicle, rummaged through it, removed items, and fled on foot. Officers found the victim inside the white vehicle with a gunshot wound to the chest.

The Investigation

Crime scene investigators recovered a .45 caliber shell casing inside the victim’s vehicle that was later matched to a handgun found in Murry’s backpack. Investigators determined Murry and the victim had exchanged gunfire during a planned drug deal that turned into an armed robbery. Muddy footprints led officers to a nearby residence where the McKinney SWAT Team helped locate Murry and execute a search warrant. Officers recovered Murry’s firearm, the victim’s stolen firearm, and marijuana taken from the victim’s vehicle. In a recorded interview with Detective Mark Brydges, Murry repeatedly lied before admitting the meeting was for a drug deal and that he intended to rob the victim.

The Trial and Sentence

Prosecutors presented Murry’s recorded interview and incriminating text messages proving he planned the robbery. A Collin County jury convicted him of Capital Murder. Judge Kimberly Laseter presided over the trial and assessed the automatic sentence of life in prison without parole.

Statement from DA Greg Willis

“This defendant planned an armed robbery, murdered the victim, and then tried to cover it up with lies. A Collin County jury saw through it all and held him fully accountable. Thanks to strong police work and effective prosecution, he will never threaten our community again.”

Prosecution Team

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Mollie Thompson and Ann Mathew prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Michael Bennett, legal support from John Rolater, and victim support from Jill Moore.

https://t.co/Mq6Y7tGLpP

#PursuingJustice #ProtectingOurCommunity #CollinCountyDA #CollinCounty

[Greg Willis @gregwillisda]

Please everyone stay vigilant for the sake of the kids. We all have a part to play in their protection.

[Collin County DA @collincountyda]

Serial Sexual Predator who Abused Autistic Child Gets 50 Years No Parole

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced today that Marty Duwayne Griego, 52, of Denton, Texas, was sentenced to 50 years in prison without parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Disabled Individual after sexually abusing a severely autistic child.
The Crime

Griego had an ongoing relationship with the child’s family that gave him access to the victim. Over the course of a year, he repeatedly sexually abused the severely autistic child, with the abuse ending when she was 15 years old. The crimes came to light when Griego assaulted the victim in front of another child, who immediately outcried to authorities. @PlanoPoliceDept was notified.

The Investigation

The victim underwent a medical exam that produced DNA evidence linking Griego to the abuse. She was then forensically interviewed at the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County, where she provided detailed accounts of repeated abuse occurring in Plano, Carrollton, and Corpus Christi. Plano Police Detective Catherine Foreman led the investigation.

The Verdict and Sentence

On April 22, 2026, a Collin County jury convicted Griego of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Disabled Individual. During the punishment phase, jurors heard evidence that Griego had also sexually abused another child and had sexually assaulted an adult who reported the crime after his arrest. The jury assessed punishment at 50 years in prison. By law, the sentence carries no eligibility for parole. Judge Rayburn Nall presided over the trial.

Statement from DA Greg Willis

“A serial predator who preyed on a severely disabled child will never walk free again. This 50-year, no-parole sentence delivers the justice our most vulnerable victims deserve.”

Prosecution Team

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Jean-Marie Anderson and Wendy Correa prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Greg Bowers and Victim Assistance Coordinator Melissa White.

https://t.co/zhq81bKPDw

#PursuingJustice #ProtectingOurCommunity #CollinCountyDA #CollinCounty

[Netflix Sports @netflixsports]

This dad at the Red Sox game went into full dad mode — managing it from both sides after little bro threw away the foul ball 😂

Big bro was sick 😭

[Stirrups Now! @uniformcritic]

Today in 1991: Nolan Ryan at age 44 strikes out 16 & pitches his 7th no-hitter. A 122 pitch masterpiece…here’s the final full at bat.

[Greg Willis @gregwillisda]

Let’s all do our part - cyber tips make a difference. @NCMEC

[Collin County DA @collincountyda]

DA Greg Willis Announces 50 Year Sentence for Allen Man Convicted of Possessing 1,800 Images and Videos of Child Sexual Abuse Material

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Carlos Wilfredo Cruz Rivera, 41, of Allen, Texas, has been sentenced to 50 years in Prison for Possession of Child Pornography involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Rivera’s phone contained approximately 1,800 photos and videos that contained the illegal images, with some images of children under the age of 10.

The Crime

In June 2025, the @Allen_Police received seven CyberTip reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) after a user uploaded approximately 30 files of CSAM onto a cloud-based storage platform. NCMEC forwarded the tips to the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which alerted Allen PD.

The Investigation

Detective William Brewer reviewed the material, confirmed it was CSAM, and obtained administrative subpoenas and search warrants. The investigation identified Carlos Wilfredo Cruz Rivera. On July 31, 2025, Detective Brewer executed a search warrant at Rivera’s Allen residence. Detective Jared McConathy interviewed Rivera, who initially denied involvement but later admitted to possessing the material when confronted with evidence.

Forensic examination of Rivera’s seized devices revealed approximately 1,800 CSAM images and videos.

The Sentence

Cruz Rivera plead guilty to two first degree felony charges of possessing CSAM. After hearing evidence and testimony, Judge Kimberly Laseter sentenced Rivera to 50 years in prison on each charge, to run concurrently.

Statement from District Attorney Greg Willis

“This 50-year sentence ensures this man can never again prey on innocent children. Every CyberTip matters. Thanks to Allen police and NCMEC, another predator is off our streets. We will continue to use every tool available to protect our children from online exploitation.”

Prosecution Team

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ann Mathew and Katherine Burgess prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland.

Report suspected child sexual exploitation: Submit tips anonymously to https://t.co/FUKYFCLDvZ or contact your local police department.

https://t.co/jmwd15ZmUj

#PursuingJustice #ProtectingOurCommunity #CollinCountyDA #CollinCounty

[The Dallas Express News @DallasExpress]

MCKINNEY TEEN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR CAPITAL MURDER

17-year-old Emiliano Miguel Zapatero was convicted of killing two men in McKinney in November 2024.

Due to his age, he received the statutory minimum of life with possible parole after 40 years.

Full Story: https://t.co/l7JXv2B2gB

[Rob Henderson @robkhenderson]

We’re living through a strange inversion: the habits most people can adopt are losing status, while the traits few people can change are becoming the new currency of success.

Traits that are widely attainable and reliably linked to success seem to be losing cultural status, while traits that are far less within individual control are becoming more prized.

By “attainable,” I mean the traditional, middle-class virtues: showing up on time, keeping your word, working hard, exercising discipline, treating others with respect, staying within the law. These are not evenly distributed, but they are broadly accessible. Almost anyone, regardless of background, can improve at them on the margin. You can be a little more punctual. A little more prepared. A little more conscientious. And those marginal improvements compound.

By contrast, many of the traits that now seem to carry greater weight are far less malleable. Physical attractiveness has some room for improvement, but there are clear limits. The same is true of cognitive ability. People can develop skills and knowledge, but underlying aptitude is much harder to move. The ceiling is tighter, and the returns to effort are less predictable.

What’s striking is not just this shift, but the accompanying change in how we talk about it. The older virtues are increasingly treated with suspicion or even contempt. Suggest that someone might benefit from working harder or being more disciplined, and the response is often defensive or hostile. The implication is that such advice is naive at best, or unfair at worst—that outcomes are driven primarily by forces outside individual control.

Some of that critique is valid. Circumstances matter. But if we lose sight of the habits that remain within reach for most people, we risk devaluing the very behaviors that, historically, have offered the most reliable path to upward mobility.

[Greg Willis @gregwillisda]

This sentence means a predator can no longer prey on the innocent, because for too long, the innocent have paid the price for his crimes.

[Collin County DA @collincountyda]

DA Greg Willis: Frisco Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Decades of Child Sexual Abuse

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Christopher John Greene, 53, of Frisco, Texas, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child he abused over a five year period, along with additional sentences 20 years in prison for Indecency with a Child and Possession of Child Pornography.

The Crime

Greene began sexually abusing the child when the victim was just 10 years old. The abuse continued until the child turned 15. Greene had ongoing access to the child through a relationship with the child’s family. In 2023 - 17 years after the abuse ended - the victim disclosed the crimes to a counselor, prompting a police investigation.

The Investigation

Frisco Police detectives interviewed the victim, who provided detailed accounts of the abuse that occurred in the early 2000s. During the investigation, three other men came forward, outcrying that Greene had abused them as children, with some incidents dating back as the 1980s. Frisco Police Detective Nessa McFarland led the investigation.

After Greene’s arrest, detectives executed a search warrant at his home and seized a hard drive. Frisco Police Detective Walker Martin conducted forensic examination and recovered multiple images of child pornography.

The Sentence

Greene pleaded guilty to the charges last month and asked for the judge to determine punishment. After reviewing the evidence, including the testimony about the long-term pattern of abuse, Judge Angela Tucker sentenced Greene to 50 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, 20 years for Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact, and 5 years for Possession of Child Pornography. By law, these sentences will run concurrently.

Statement from DA Greg Willis

“This sentence means a predator can no longer prey on the innocent, because for too long, the innocent have paid the price for his crimes,” said Willis after sentencing.

Prosecution Team

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Pierce Richardson and Anthony D’Amore prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Greg Bowers and Victim Assistance Coordinator Valerie Miller.

https://t.co/bqu7JdXgu0

#PursuingJustice #ProtectingOurCommunity #CollinCountyDA #CollinCounty

[Greg Willis @gregwillisda]

What a great group!

[Collin County DA @collincountyda]

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis recently had the opportunity to speak with Leadership Frisco Class XXIX, sharing an inside look at how our office works every day to pursue justice and protect the people of Collin County.

From prosecuting serious crimes to working alongside law enforcement and supporting victims, DA Willis discussed the many ways prosecutors serve the community and uphold public safety. Mental Health Chief Prosecutor Kailey Gillman offered insightul context on how we deal with mental health in the criminal justice system.

Thank you to the Frisco Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Frisco for the invitation and for fostering leaders who are committed to strengthening our community.

#PursuingJustice #ProtectingOurCommunity #LeadershipFrisco #CollinCountyDA

[Greg Willis @gregwillisda]

Not just great prosecutors - great people too!

[Collin County DA @collincountyda]

🎉 Please join us in congratulating some of our outstanding prosecutors on their well-deserved promotions! 🎉

We are proud to recognize several dedicated attorneys whose hard work, professionalism, and commitment to justice have earned them promotions within the Felony Division:

(L-R)
✨ Quinton Lowe – Promoted to Felony Prosecutor
✨ Kathryn Burgess – Promoted to Felony Prosecutor
✨ Greg Zhelezny – Promoted to Felony Prosecutor
✨ Emily Pratt – Promoted to Chief Felony Prosecutor
✨ Alex Haynes – Promoted to Chief Felony Prosecutor
✨ Wesley Crockett – Promoted to Felony Prosecutor
✨ Lindsey Graham – Promoted to Felony Prosecutor
✨ David Howell – Promoted to Mental Health Felony Prosecutor

Their dedication to serving the people of Collin County and their pursuit of justice continue to make a meaningful impact in our community.

Join us in congratulating them on this exciting achievement and thanking them for their continued service!

#PursuingJustice #ProtectingOurCommunity #CollinCountyDA #CollinCounty

[Greg Willis @gregwillisda]

This was a brutal rape, and the jury also heard evidence that he had raped and terrorized other women. After seeing that pattern of violence, they made sure a dangerous sexual predator is now off the streets for good.

[Collin County DA @collincountyda]

DA Greg Willis: Allen Man Gets Life in Prison for Brutal Beating and Sexual Assault at Plano Hotel

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Detaron Fenley, 39, of Allen, Texas, was found guilty by a Collin County jury and given the maximum sentences of life in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault and 20 years in prison for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

The Crime

In the early morning hours of September 24, 2024, @PlanoPoliceDept responded to a violent assault at a local hotel. Officers found extensive signs of a struggle, including significant blood throughout the room and on the walls. The female victim had been taken to the hospital; Plano Police Criminalists Susan Hassan, Ashley Canon, and Bao Nguyen processed the scene and recovered critical evidence.

The Investigation

At the hospital, the victim reported that a man entered her room, pulled a knife on her, and beat her severely as she fought back. She lost consciousness before being sexually assaulted. Hotel surveillance video showed the suspect arriving and leaving in a dark-colored BMW, which traffic cameras and detectives traced to Fenley. A search warrant at his residence recovered bloody clothing worn during the assault. Plano Police Detective Jonathan Hay, the lead investigator on the case, interviewed Fenley and obtained a partial confession.

The Verdict and Sentence

After hearing all the evidence, the jury quickly convicted Fenley on both counts. In the punishment phase, five women testified about years of violence, stalking, assault, and sexual assault by Fenley. The jury imposed the maximum sentences, which by law run concurrently.

Statement from DA Greg Willis

“This was a brutal rape, and the jury heard evidence that he had raped and terrorized other women. After seeing that pattern of violence, they made sure a dangerous sexual predator is now off the streets for good,” said Willis after sentencing.

Prosecution Team

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashleigh Woodall and Christina Skipper prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Laurie Gibbs. District Attorney Investigator Sarah Putman assisted throughout the trial preparation process.

#PursuingJustice #ProtectingOurCommunity #CollinCountyDA #CollinCounty

[Collin County DA @collincountyda]

DA Greg Willis: Serial Child Predator Gets Life without Parole

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Donald Byron Joachim, 65, of Rosenberg, Texas, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child committed in Celina, Texas, from 2017 to 2020.

The Crime: Predator Exploited Family Trust to Abuse Child for Years

Joachim had ongoing access to the child through a relationship with the child’s family. Joachim sexually abused the victim over the course of many years, starting when the child was a toddler and ending when she was 13 years old. When the victim was 14 years old, she disclosed the abuse to her sister in-law. The abuse was then reported to the Comal County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigation Exposes Decades of Serial Grooming and Abuse of Multiple Victims

The child was interviewed at the Comal County Children’s Advocacy Center, where she provided details about the abuse. The abuse occurred not only in Celina, where the child’s family lived from 2017 to 2020, but also in Canyon Lake and Austin, Texas. After the outcry, Joachim confessed to several family members that he had abused the child.

During the investigation, multiple other children disclosed that Joachim had previously abused them. Joachim had abused these children in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, using his relationship with the children’s families to groom the children and gain access to them.

The Verdict and Sentence of Life without Parole

After hearing all the evidence, a Collin County jury found Joachim guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and sentenced Joachim to life in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole. Judge Tom Nowak presided over the trial.

Statement from DA Greg Willis

"For too long, this predator exploited trust within families to abuse multiple children across years and locations. Today’s life-without-parole sentence sends a clear message that Collin County will relentlessly pursue justice and safeguard our children," said Willis after sentencing.

Prosecution Team

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Pierce Richardson and Allison Barber prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Greg Bowers and Victim Assistance Coordinator Melissa White.

https://t.co/VOzZQLNGdy

#PursuingJustice #ProtectingOurCommunity #CollinCountyDA #CollinCounty

[Greg Willis @gregwillisda]

Fascinating, sobering, yet a little hope near the end.

[Matt Shumer @mattshumer_]

https://t.co/ivXRKXJvQg

[Greg Willis @gregwillisda]

This convicted murderer continued to prey on a child even from behind bars. A Collin County jury saw the full picture and delivered the only sentence that protects the public and our children - life in prison.

[Collin County DA @collincountyda]

DA Greg Willis: Convicted Murderer Gets Life for Abusing Child – Even From Jail

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced today that Anthony Dewayne Taylor, 46, of Frisco, Texas, was sentenced to life in prison for Sexual Performance of a Child. Taylor, a career criminal and confirmed gang member, sexually abused a child across multiple states and multiple cities in Texas.

The Crime

After being paroled on a drug trafficking charge from Oklahoma in 2020, Taylor reconnected with the victim’s family and gained access to the child. Taylor began abusing the child when she was just 14 years old and continued until she was 16 years old. This abuse occurred in multiple states and multiple cities across Texas.

In October 2022, Taylor was arrested for Murder in Oklahoma City and was held there in jail awaiting trial. Taylor ultimately pled guilty to murder in December 2024 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison (followed by 20 years parole). While awaiting trial, Taylor made numerous calls to the child from jail using a recorded line. Taylor directed the child to engage in lewd acts while the child was living in Collin County, leading to the sexual performance charges.

The Investigation

In December 2022, the child bravely out-cried to her family about the ongoing abuse, and her family reported the abuse to the @FriscoPD Department. The child was interviewed at the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County, where she provided details about the abuse and calls. Frisco Detective Kim Pruitt secured evidence at Taylor’s house consistent with the child’s description of abuse. Detective Pruitt also coordinated with the Oklahoma City Police Department to obtain the recorded jail calls.

The Verdict and Sentence

After hearing the evidence, a Collin County jury found Taylor guilty of Sexual Performance of a Child. During the punishment phase of trial, the jurors heard testimony about Taylor’s criminal history going all the way back to 1999, including the details of Taylor’s murder conviction. Due to his prior felony conviction, Taylor faced a punishment range of 5 to 99 years or life in prison. The jury sentenced Taylor to life in prison and assessed a $10,000 fine. Judge Richard Davis presided.

Statement from DA Greg Willis

“This convicted murderer continued to prey on a child even from behind bars. A Collin County jury saw the full picture and delivered the only sentence that protects the public and our children - life in prison,” said Willis following the verdict.

Prosecution Team

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Anthony D’Amore and Claire Mosley prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Sarah Putman and Victim Assistance Coordinator Jill Moore.

https://t.co/Nvro08jRiV

#PursuingJustice #ProtectingOurCommunity #CollinCountyDA #CollinCounty

[Greg Willis @gregwillisda]

Grateful for my outstanding prosecutors Ashleigh Woodall and Ann Mathew, who built on the truly stellar work of @PlanoPoliceDept Det. @abenzick

[Adam Loewy @LoewyLawFirm]

Great work @gregwillisda !!!

[Greg Willis @gregwillisda]

My office is here to protect children and remove dangerous predators from our communities. We will pursue these offenders as long as it takes so families can live in peace and children can grow up safe.

[Collin County DA @collincountyda]

DA Greg Willis’s Office Secures Life Sentence for Serial Child Predator in 1991 Cold Case

Collin County Criminal District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Nicholas Carney, 65, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a Collin County jury of aggravated sexual assault of a child and sentenced to life in prison for the August 1991 kidnapping and sexual assault of an eight-year-old child in Plano, Texas.

The Crime

On August 15, 1991, an eight-year-old child was kidnapped by a stranger in Plano while walking with a friend to a community pool. Over the course of several hours, the child was sexually assaulted before being released approximately 20 miles from her home.

When the child was located, detectives and medical personnel collected DNA evidence. The child’s friend worked with Plano Texas Police Department Detective Larry Wilson to create a composite sketch of the perpetrator. Despite extensive efforts by multiple law-enforcement agencies, no suspect was identified at the time and the case went cold.

DNA evidence was later submitted to the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science (SWIFS) in Dallas. In 2004, SWIFS developed a DNA profile of the perpetrator, which was entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Although no suspect was identified, the profile was linked to an unsolved sexual assault case in Dallas.

Investigators determined that on March 25, 1999, a nine-year-old child was kidnapped in Dallas while walking home from school with a friend. That child was sexually assaulted over several hours before being released approximately 40 miles away. DNA evidence was collected, and the child’s friend assisted ATF Agent Sharon Whittaker in creating a composite sketch. That case also remained unsolved.

The Investigation

In 2023, @PlanoPoliceDept Detective Aaron Benzick, @DallasPD Detective Elizabeth DeAngelis, and Texas Ranger Jason Shea reopened the cases and submitted the DNA evidence for forensic investigative genetic genealogy analysis.

Investigators learned that Nicholas Carney lived in the Dallas area at the time of both offenses, drove vehicles consistent with the descriptions provided by the victims, and possessed driver’s license photographs consistent with the composite sketches. Working with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, detectives obtained a DNA sample from Carney.

Testing confirmed that Carney’s DNA matched the perpetrator’s DNA in both the 1991 Plano case and the 1999 Dallas case. Carney was arrested and charged with multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Further investigation revealed that in 1980, while working as an ice-cream truck driver in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Carney was convicted of exposing himself to a six-year-old child and attempting to lure the child into his vehicle.

The Verdict and Sentence

After hearing the evidence, a Collin County jury found Carney guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child and sentenced him to life in prison. The jury also assessed a $34 fine - one dollar for each year the crime went unsolved. Judge Richard Davis presided.

Statement from DA Greg Willis

“My office is here to protect children and remove dangerous predators from our communities. We will pursue these offenders as long as it takes so families can live in peace and children can grow up safe,” said Willis following the verdict.

Prosecution Team

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashleigh Woodall and Ann Mathew prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Laurie Gibbs and Victim Assistance Coordinator Valerie Miller.

https://t.co/55STT08trP

#PursuingJustice #ProtectingOurCommunity #CollinCountyDA #CollinCounty

[Palmer Luckey @PalmerLuckey]

"The central theme of the book is the contrast between the Hobbits (or "the Shire") and the appalling destiny to which some of them are called, the terrifying discovery that the humdrum happiness of the Shire, which they had taken for granted as something normal, is in reality a sort of local and temporary accident, that its existence depends on being protected by powers which Hobbits forget, against powers which Hobbits dare not imagine."

-CS Lewis, close friend of JRR Tolkien

[Collin County DA @collincountyda]

A privilege to spend the morning with Leadership Allen Class 37!

This impressive class heard from DA Greg Willis about how how we work each day to protect the community by locking up violent and repeat offenders, as well as the role of prosecutors generally, and finally how our office is organized to make us most effective.

Thank you for your desire to serve and be part of making our community even better.

@AllenFairview

#PursuingJustice #ProtectingOurCommunity #CollinCountyDA #CollinCounty

[Greg Willis @gregwillisda]

Violent criminals should know that there is no statute of limitations for murder, and police and prosecutors never forget. This conviction brings delayed justice to a grieving family and ensures a violent murderer will never be free to walk our streets again.

[Collin County DA @collincountyda]

DA Greg Willis Announces Life without Parole Sentence in 2017 Frisco Capital Murder Cold Case Investigation and Prosecution

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Kerrico Carr, 44, of McKinney, was sentenced to Life in Prison without the Possibility of Parole after a Collin County jury found him guilty of a 2017 Capital Murder in Frisco.

The Crime

On June 30, 2017 at 10:46am, Frisco police responded to a neighborhood after receiving reports of a gunshot and a masked man armed with a firearm. Upon arrival, officers located the victim in a nearby yard with a fatal gunshot wound to the back.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing two men arrive in a grayish-brown van. The driver was described as a shorter, heavyset man, while the passenger was taller and wearing a ski mask. Witnesses stated the driver approached the victim’s car parked outside his house. When the victim saw the men, he took off running between houses. The masked passenger chased after him and fired a single shot, striking the victim in the back. Both suspects then fled the scene in the van.

The Investigation

On the day of the murder, investigators spoke with members of the victim’s family, who stated the victim owed money to Carr and had been receiving threatening messages from him. After showing a photo lineup to the victim’s girlfriend, a man was initially arrested. Subsequent investigation revealed this man was nowhere near the crime scene, and he was later released. The case went cold after that.

In 2023, the case was assigned to @FriscoPD Detectives Kyle Marks and Sanja Trtanj for a fresh look. Their new investigation identified a suspect who was present at the time of the murder. This suspect confirmed he was with Kerrico Carr on the day of the shooting and that Carr fired the fatal shot. Detectives then obtained an arrest warrant for Carr, who was arrested after being released from a Federal Correctional Facility in Arkansas, where he had been serving time for a federal criminal conviction for the offense of Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft.

Trial and Sentence

During the trial, prosecutors presented a recorded jail call in which Carr admitted he was present at the scene of the murder and stated he had gone there to collect money the victim owed him. A co-defendant also testified against Carr, and his testimony was corroborated by the eyewitnesses and cell phone location data. The jury found Carr guilty of Capital Murder. He was automatically sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Judge Jennifer Edgeworth presided over the trial and pronounced the mandatory sentence.

Statement from DA Greg Willis

“Violent criminals should know that there is no statute of limitations for murder, and police and prosecutors never forget. This conviction brings delayed justice to a grieving family and ensures a violent murderer will never be free to walk our streets again,” said DA Willis after sentencing.

Prosecution Team:
Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Nick Lawrance and Kailey Gillman prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Michael Coleman and Laurie Gibbs and with legal support from Amy Murphy and John Rolater and victim support from Valerie Miller.

https://t.co/1tTjIF8LIM

#PursuingJustice #ProtectingOurCommunity #CollinCountyDA #CollinCounty