— Kaleb Anthony Vasquez, aged 23, received a life sentence on Thursday for the murder of Roel Munoz, aged 42, at a Lubbock Walmart in December 2020.
The incident unfolded when officers responded to reports of gunshots at the Walmart near 4th Street and Frankford Avenue around 3:45 p.m. on December 4. Tragically, Munoz was discovered deceased within the store.
In the sentencing phase, Assistant District Attorney Christopher Schulte characterized the crime as a senseless act of violence, a random killing of a stranger by Vasquez. Munoz, who was innocently shopping at the time, was fatally shot in the head by Vasquez without provocation, as detailed by Schulte.
Witnesses Recall the Gunshot Incident
A witness, a pharmacy technician, recounted seeing a man fleeing through the emergency exit after the gunshot rang out. Upon turning the corner, she encountered Munoz lying on the floor in critical condition.
Describing the scene, the witness stated, “There was so much blood, and his hands were already turning blue.”
Another testimony came from an asset management employee who not only heard the gunshot but also detected the smell of gun smoke. He promptly checked for vital signs, assisted in securing the area until law enforcement arrived, and later facilitated the retrieval of surveillance footage for investigative purposes.
Unveiling Security Footage and Recovery of the Firearm
In conjunction with an employee’s 911 call, the jury was presented with security footage from the store, revealing the sequence of events leading to the tragic incident. The footage captured Vasquez approaching Munoz in the hardware section, shooting him, and then fleeing the scene. Subsequent cameras tracked Vasquez’s escape route through the garden center, across the parking lot, and onto West Loop 289.
Corporal Mike McGowen of the Lubbock Police Department testified, and body camera footage was shown to the jury, providing a glimpse of the victim moments before the attack.
McGowen further testified that a relative of the suspect voluntarily allowed a search of their vehicle, leading to the discovery of ammunition boxes. Additionally, a gun belonging to the suspect’s family member, who had accompanied Vasquez to the store, was reported missing and later found in the possession of law enforcement.
702 West Loop 289 on December 4, 2020 (Nexstar/Staff)
Vasquez in court on March 18, 2024 (Nexstar/Staff)
Vasquez in court in September of 2023 (Nexstar/Staff)
The firearm used in the crime was discarded in a storm drain near the Walmart and subsequently retrieved by a forensic specialist from the LPD. Jurors were shown images depicting the gun approximately 10 feet deep within the drain, along with other evidence such as a projectile, bloodstains, and tissue on the store shelves.
Revelations from Vasquez’s Statements
Testimonies revealed that Vasquez, following another criminal incident involving an attempted carjacking, callously expressed his feelings about the murder. The victim of the carjacking incident recounted Vasquez’s demand for the car keys, with Vasquez callously stating, “Give me the keys. I need to go.”
The victim suffered injuries during the altercation, leading to ongoing nasal issues. Surveillance footage captured Vasquez fleeing the scene, subsequently being apprehended by officers without resistance. Sgt. Brandon Price from the LPD’s Metro Special Crimes Unit testified to collecting DNA samples from Vasquez for further investigation. In a chilling statement, Vasquez admitted to feeling somewhat indifferent about the murder, stating, “I guess I’m doing alright for killing someone. I was high as f***.”
Insights into Vasquez’s Drug-Induced State
Defense attorney Ryan Phelan acknowledged the absence of justification for Vasquez’s actions, attributing his behavior to drug addiction. Phelan emphasized to the jury that they would not be presented with excuses for Vasquez’s conduct.
Expert testimony from William Gerber, Ph.D., specializing in addiction studies at Texas Tech University, shed light on the impact of methamphetamine on the brain. Vasquez, who had consumed meth prior to the incident, experienced auditory hallucinations, compelling him to commit the heinous act under the influence of drug-induced psychosis.
District Attorney Sunshine Stanek underscored that drug-induced states do not serve as a legal defense. The expert witness affirmed the detrimental effects of substance abuse on brain function, emphasizing the real issue of drug-related brain impairment.
Heartbreaking Aftermath for Munoz’s Family
Munoz’s sister emotionally testified to his compassionate nature, highlighting his selfless character and devotion to his faith. Tragically, Munoz’s wife passed away subsequent to his untimely death, unable to cope with the loss.
Expressing the profound impact of Munoz’s absence, his sister reminisced about their close bond, characterized by mutual support and care. She lamented the void left by his passing, expressing the family’s struggle with overwhelming emotions of anger and grief.
During the closing arguments, the prosecution emphasized the absence of any prior connection between Munoz and Vasquez, urging the jury to consider a life sentence for Vasquez. After deliberation, the jury reached a decision on Vasquez’s punishment after approximately four hours.