BIG SPRING, TX — This afternoon, Luis Hernandez, Jr. was sentenced to life in prison by 118th District Judge Timothy Yeats for the murder of his ex-girlfriend 46-year-old Maria Soto that occurred last year.
On July 21, 2021, Big Spring Police Officers discovered Soto dead on her sofa early with numerous stab wounds. After a lengthy trial, Hernandez was found guilty by a Howard County jury on Sept. 23rd, 2022.
According to District Attorney Hardy Wilkerson, Hernandez had an exhaustive criminal history, had been to prison at least 4 times, and presently had been on probation out of Sherman for stalking a different woman. This demonstrated a characteristic of acceleration in his behavior in the level of violence. In addition, there was evidence that Hernandez was probably strung out on methamphetamine at the time. He was also driven by envy and jealousy of Soto after they had broken up their long term relationship.
“His ability to continuously lie about the facts that occurred that day demonstrated a complete lack of character. This fella, if left to his own devices, if it’s conceivable, is gonna become even worse. Therefore, even though his age is in the late 40s, the State recommended a left sentence because we felt that this man is a poster child for a life sentence. He does not need to be on the streets ever again,” said Wilkerson.
He went on to say that they were very satisfied that the court agreed and assessed a term of life.
(Photo: Big Spring Police Department)
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