On Tuesday, a jury sentenced Hector Sanchez to 45 years in prison after convicting him of murder. The 29-year old Houston man was convicted for killing Donovan Dozier in a drug-related shooting in August 2009.
According to Assistant District Attorney Mark LaForge, Dozier and Sanchez were arguing over a drug deal in front of Sanchez's house on Maywood Street when Sanchez drew a gun and pointed it at Dozier. The men reportedly got into a physical confrontation.
Prosecutors say Sanchez shot Dozier once in the head and then immediately got in his van and fled the scene, running over Dozier's body in the street. Sanchez was arrested seven months later.
Sanchez testified during trial that he was a drug dealer and hid his drugs at his home. Sanchez reportedly tried to claim self-defense but also that the gun accidentally discharged.
"Donovan Dozier had his day in court, even though Hector Sanchez denied him the chance to ever speak again," said LaForge. "The jury considered all of the evidence, including testimony from the defendant and his teenage brother, and decided what had happened was clear -- Hector Sanchez intentionally and knowingly killed Donovan Dozier without justification."
Murder is a first-degree felony punishable from 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Under current laws, the defendant must serve at least one half of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. Sanchez was not probation eligible.
