Texas Man Beats the Odds
Texas man beats the odds and secures second bond release, but for the family of the victim, it’s a frustrating outcome. James Sotelo, a 20-year-old accused of murdering his friend Corey Thompson Jr. and shooting his brother in March 2021, was released on a $100,000 bond. In November 2022, Sotelo picked up a charge for unlawfully carrying a weapon, and again he was released on bond, this time for $10,000.
The mother of the 17-year-old victim, April Wright, is outraged that the accused murderer was let out on bond in the first place. She expressed her concern, saying, “This kid has a blatant disrespect for the law for the court he’s going through, and he’s still allowed to go home and be with his family. My son is never allowed to come home, and this kid is still out in the community.”
Sotelo allegedly shot Thompson and admitted to the shooting, according to Fox News. Thompson suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the back of his head, and Sotelo’s brother was also shot. Harris County District Attorney’s Office requested a $150,000 bond in the murder case, but Judge Josh Hill allowed him to post a $100,000 bond.
The Harris County District Attorney filed to revoke Sotelo’s bond in the murder case after he was charged with carrying a weapon in Montgomery County. However, he was instead ordered to go on 24/7 house arrest.
Andy Kahan, the director of victim services for Crime Stoppers Houston, expressed frustration about the way the criminal justice system handles suspected violent offenders, saying, “So now he’s on bond in 2 different counties, for me, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.” The release of James Sotelo on bond twice despite being accused of murder and carrying a weapon is a matter of concern for the family of the victim and the community at large.
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