Pleasanton, Texas – Life Sentence for Murderer of Lucio Carmona
In a case that has shaken the Pleasanton community to its core, David Taije Castleberry has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of Lucio Gustavo Carmona III. On October 15, 2023, a jury in Atascosa County took just 25 minutes to reach a verdict, convicting the 27-year-old man of murder. This conviction revolves around a tragic incident that occurred on January 3, 2023, when Carmona’s lifeless body was discovered on the side of Tessman Road.
The Crime
The events leading to Carmona’s murder are both heartbreaking and chilling. It all started when he asked for a ride to the bank to cash a check worth $1,400. After reaching the bank, Castleberry, who was a passenger in the car alongside his girlfriend, Clarissa Guillen, allegedly pulled out a gun and demanded the money from Carmona. During the confrontation, Castleberry shot Carmona, leaving him fatally injured in the backseat of their stolen Mitsubishi Mirage. To make matters worse, Guillen testified that after Castleberry shot Carmona, he turned on her, threatening her life and instructing her to drive.
The Investigation
Authorities caught up with Castleberry and Guillen just two days after the murder, on January 5, 2023. They had tracked the couple down to a hotel on the west side of San Antonio. Sheriff’s investigators uncovered numerous inconsistencies in their stories during initial interrogations, raising suspicions about their involvement in the crime. Evidence from the vehicle pointed to a violent altercation: a bullet was lodged in the backseat, and there were extensive blood stains present.
Trial Highlights
During the trial, there were harrowing testimonies that laid bare the horrors of that day. Guillen, visibly shaken, recounted the horrifying moment Castleberry shot Carmona. She shared with the jury the fear she felt as Castleberry pointed the gun at her, illustrating the chilling reality of the crime. Meanwhile, Castleberry, who had a prior history of legal troubles and drug offenses, showed no sign of remorse for his actions.
Emotional Statements from the Victim’s Family
As the trial’s conclusion drew near, family members of Carmona gave emotional impact statements during the sentencing phase. Alexia Villa, Carmona’s sister, conveyed profound sorrow as she recounted having to arrange her brother’s funeral just five months after burying their mother. “He was my baby brother,” she stated, capturing the loss and turmoil that the family has faced.
Glancing at Castleberry’s Background
Castleberry’s past is riddled with troubles, including multiple felony convictions for drug-related offenses. During the trial, he attempted to share his own life story, detailing his battles with addiction and his tumultuous journey through the criminal justice system. However, the prosecution painted a dark picture of a man who has consistently involved himself with crime and devastation, claiming he was a symbol of the “evil” that plagues the community.
Looking Ahead
With Castleberry now sentenced to life behind bars, the family of Lucio Carmona is left to grieve their painful loss and piece together their lives after such a tragedy. Meanwhile, Clarissa Guillen also faces murder charges and is expected to go on trial in the coming months.
This case serves as a painful reminder of the impact that violence and crime can have on lives. Though justice has been served in Castleberry’s case, the community continues to mourn the loss of a young man who had so much life ahead of him. Carmona’s family remembers him as a beacon of positivity and hope, cherishing the moments they had while remembering also the agony that this incident has caused.
