Austin, TX – Today, Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) passed Senate Bill 990 (SB 990) unanimously through the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice by Chairman Flores immediately calling it for a vote, expanding Capital Murder Protections to Victims Aged 10-15. This critical legislation strengthens Texas’ capital murder statute by ensuring that those who commit heinous crimes against children face the maximum penalty under state law.

"There is just horrific evil out there that has to be stopped, and the slaughter of innocents has to stop." said Senator Bettencourt. SB 990 comes in response to the tragic murder of 12- year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Harris County in June 2024.

Key Provisions of SB 990 to ensure protections for young victims:

• Expands Capital Murder Eligibility: raises the age threshold for capital murder charges from under 10 years old to under 15 years old to apply to those who murder children aged 10-15.
• Stronger Sentencing for Convicted Offenders: Convicted offenders will face either the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
• Closes Legal Gaps: Previously, some offenders who murdered children over 10 years old could avoid capital charges—SB 990 eliminates this loophole.
• Enhances Prosecutorial Tools: provides law enforcement and prosecutors with a stronger legal basis to pursue capital punishment for child murderers, deterring future crimes.

During the committee hearing, powerful testimony was delivered by family members of young victims. April Aguirre, aunt of 11-year-old Arlene Alvarez, "It's terrifying, and it is sad that we don't have this already in place, and it was hard for me to explain to Mr. Gonzales that the death penalty wasn't on the table for a man that had no mercy on his daughter. Why are we having mercy on monsters?"

Senator Bettencourt echoed her concerns: "April, when I heard about the lack of the death penalty for an injustice case, I asked the same question. And, quite frankly, I was very surprised that we had not extended that to at least 15-year-olds." SB 990 has received widespread support from law enforcement, prosecutors, and victims' advocacy groups who argue that the bill is a crucial step in preventing child murders and justice for young victims.

Senator Bettencourt concluded: "What I hope is that Jocelyn and Maria’s deaths are not in vain, that there is a deterrence in the future. If we save just one child because of this...”

With committee approval secured, SB 990 now moves to the full Senate for further debate and consideration. Senator Bettencourt has asked Chairman Smithee to carry this bill in the house.

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