LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Judge Trey McClendon sentenced Zion Perez to 35 years in prison for an attempted carjacking and shooting that occurred nearly two years ago.
Perez tried to steal 78-year-old Carolyn Batteas’ car in a church parking lot in January 2024 and shot at a witness who ran to help her.
McClendon called this a serious case with two stories — one of violent crime and one of Perez’s turnaround in jail. He told Perez no child should have to live alone in an RV with no running water or electricity like he did.
The judge noted many officers came forward to tell him how Perez has improved himself while at the detention center. McClendon issued a less severe sentence than what the state requested, opting for 35 years in prison.
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