Murder of Clovis teen was caught on camera; Man gets prison

LUBBOCK, Texas — Jimmy Whitlock, 45, pleaded guilty to second-degree Murder on Thursday and was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in the shooting death of Jessie Villanes-Lerma, 16, in Clovis in 2022.

Officers were called to an apartment in the 1100 block of Sycamore Avenue on August 14, 2022, in reference to shots fired.

After an investigation, police discovered a witness and his 11-month-old son were at the apartment hanging out with Villanes-Lerma, when they heard knocks at the door. The witness opened the door when Whitlock and another man identified as Deionte Fannin rushed inside with guns. Officials said the men started to “batter” the witness.

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• Police searching for man who killed Clovis teen Sunday evening
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• Man wanted for murder of Clovis 16-year-old arrested in North Carolina

According to the Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Villanes-Lerma tried to help the witness, and Whitlock pulled a gun and shot him. The incident was captured on the home’s security cameras, officials stated.

The Clovis Police Department asked for the public’s help in locating both Whitlock and Fannin. Whitlock was later arrested in Raleigh, North Carolina on August 23. Police did not make it clear if Fannin had been apprehended.

Whitlock will have to serve at least 85% of his sentence before he can be considered for parole.

“This last year, the legislature increased the maximum penalty for second degree murder from 15 years to 18 years. This crime occurred before the legislative change and was the maximum possible sentence for second degree murder. My office will continue to push the legislature for further increases in punishment on violent crimes.”

Statement from Ninth Judicial District Attorney Quentin Ray

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