Man gets 50 years in prison for 2024 shooting death of ex-girlfriend's 12-year-old son in Cloverleaf

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A man has been sentenced to 50 years in jail after pleading guilty to capital murder for the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend's 12-year-old son.

The video above is from a previous report.

Terry Rivera appeared in court on Tuesday, where he entered his plea, nearly two years after Carlos Fernandez's killing.

On the night of the shooting in March 2024, authorities said Carlos was sleeping in a nearby room when someone walked up to the bedroom window and opened fire.

Carlos' mother, Ashley Rostro, told ABC13 that her son was trying to protect her.

Following the shooting, Rivera was arrested at the Gateway International Bridge at the border, where, at the time, authorities said he was trying to cross back into the U.S. from Mexico, after being on the run for a week.

ABC13's cameras were rolling in the courtroom when Carlos' loved ones faced Rivera and gave emotional statements.

"You took a part from all of us that we can no longer get back," Rostro said. "I pray that what you did to my son haunts you every single day that you're in prison, and you reflect on how selfish your action was, taking the life of an innocent 12-year-old child."

When asked if he had anything to say, Rivera said, "I got a lot to say, I just don't want to say it," while also apologizing to his kids and stepson.

RELATED:

Cloverleaf 12-year-old murdered while defending his family from mother's abusive ex, she says