October 17, 2023

Brawl breaks out after man gets 45 years for Houston teen Diamond Alvarez's murder

A Houston man was sentenced to 45 years in prison Tuesday for killing his 16-year-old girlfriend in 2022 — a decision that led to a brief uproar and physical fight inside the 174th district courtroom.

Frank DeLeon Jr., 20, had agreed to a plea deal, under which he would plead guilty to one count of murder and receive the 45-year sentence, according to court records. DeLeon had been accused of fatally shooting Diamond Alvarez, 16, a girl he previously dated.

Moments after the sentence was announced, Alvarez’s family members angrily confronted DeLeon, with bailiffs detaining at least one person.