A jury found Blademir Viveros guilty of three counts of aggravated assault by a public servant earlier this week in connection with a deadly June 2024 crash on Cartwright Rd.
VERDICT REACHED: Former Missouri City police officer found guilty in 2024 crash that killed three people
Investigators say Viveros was driving 107 miles per hour on his way to a robbery call without his lights or sirens on when he crashed into the car of Mason and Angela Stewart, killing them instantly.
Michael Hawkins was in custody in the back seat of Viveros' car, not wearing handcuffs or a seatbelt. He was paralyzed in the crash and died months later.
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On Wednesday afternoon, the state and defense rested their case in the punishment phase of the trial after 24 witnesses took the stand on both sides and testified about the character of former officer Blademir Viveros.
So many tears have been shed in the courtroom during the seven days of trial by the families of the victims and the former officer, and on Thursday, his fate is once more in the jury's hands.
On Wednesday, the jury sat and listened for hours to people who knew and loved the victims of the deadly crash. They also heard about Viveros.
The state brought 18 witnesses to speak in the last two days of the punishment phase of the trial. The witnesses varied from officers with whom Viveros had a run in with before becoming an officer himself to the family of Angela and Mason Stewart, as well as the family of Michael Hawkins, as they explained how remarkable and kind they were and how hard it's been without them.
CONTINUING COVERAGE: Punishment phase begins for former Missouri City police officer following conviction in deadly crash
The defense brought up six people to speak about Viveros' character, including his mother, who was emotional for the better part of her testimony.
His mother spoke about how loving and caring he is and told the jurors that Viveros has suffered a lot because of the crash. She said it's like he's alive, but as if he wasn't, because what happened hurts him daily.
The defense rested, and closing statements will be on Thursday.
Viveros is convicted of three first-degree felonies and faces five years to life behind bars.
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