Suspect Handcuffed
Representational image. Reuters

An 18-year-old Texas teen has learned his fate for murdering a man in cold blood in October 2014. It is being reported that Emmanuel Diaz has been sentenced to life for the run-over death of a man who refused to purchase him alcohol.

According to FOX News Latino, Emmanuel Diaz was sentenced on Tuesday in Abilene. investigators say that Diaz was 16-years-old when he ran over and killed 58-year-old Jesse Cortinez on October 31,2014.

The site reports that Diaz was tried as an adult and convicted Friiday of murder and deadly conduct. Authorities reveal that Cortinez refused to buy beer for Diaz after the minor approached the adult outside a 7-Eleven convenience store.

According to KTXS, court documents reveal that Diaz hit and killed Cortinez with his mother's Jeep truck. a passenger in the vehicle, 20-year-old Joseph Carillo, allegedly punched Cortinez in the face before he was run over and killed.

Carillo is also accused of conspiring with Diaz. The 20-year-old has also been charged with murder.

Reports state that three witnesses heard the argument and saw that Diaz intentionally run over Cortinez. After unning him over, Diaz quickly fled the scene.

Prosecutors say the deadly conduct charge for Diaz involved and unrelated drive-by shooting hours earlier. He received a ten-year sentence on that conviction, that will run concurrently with the life sentence. The jury deliberated for three hours before bringing in the verdict.

He is reported to serve 30 years behind bars before becoming eligible for parole in addition to $20,000 in fines.

Following Tuesday’s sentencing, the victim’s family was overwhelmed with emotion. They said the healing process can now begin.

‘There’s a big void there but at least with the decision now we can move forward and start the healing process,’ Cortinez’s brother, EZ Cortinez, told KTAB.

‘There’s no victory for either one of us. Either my family or Mr. Diaz’s family. There are no winners in this case. Like I said we’re happy.’

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