AUSTIN — The man who's convicted of trying to assassinate a judge in Austin has been sentenced to life in prison, a judge ruled Tuesday afternoon. This announcement comes after a judge heard testimony through his expected sentencing on Monday.
United States District Judge Lee Yeakel said he took documents and evidence into consideration before deciding on a punishment.
Chimene Onyeri, 31, was sentenced with life in prison without parole after a jury found him guilty of attempted capital murder in April.
Investigators said Onyeri shot at the Travis County state district judge four times as she sat in her car outside of her West Austin home in November 2015. The judge, Julie Kocurek, survived. She lost a finger in the ordeal.
“Today’s life sentence for Mr. Onyeri was about more than obtaining a measure of justice for Judge Kocurek although we certainly did that. It was also about safeguarding the integrity of our judicial system. This office, along with our federal, state, and local law-enforcement partners, will be absolutely relentless in pursuing those who attack or threaten judges or court staff. Impartial, fearless judges are key to the rule of law. Today the rule of law was vindicated,” stated U.S. Attorney John F. Bash.
On Monday afternoon, Kocurek and her son, Will, both addressed the court. The 390th state district judge went first.
Kocurek said she thanks God she is alive. She said the shooting has affected every part of her life. How, after coming out of a coma, she had to learn to walk again. How simple things like wearing her wedding ring is a thing of the past. Last week, she told the court a small piece of metal was removed from her wrist.
Kocurek said she will never forget that night and what she regrets most is that her family will never forget that night. She never feels safe anymore. So far, she has had 30 surgeries. And despite mounting costs from medical and security bills, she has not sought restitution.
All she asks is for Onyeri to get life in prison because the message needs to be sent to those who attack the judiciary.
Her son, Will, spoke next.
"I'm a 15-year-old kid. I can't get in a car," he said. "I can't take my eyes off the rear view mirror. I won't ever forget the feeling when Onyeri shot at my mom. I don't hate him but I hate what he did."
He then asked the court to give Onyeri the maximum sentence.
Before the Kocureks, the prosecution called four witnesses to testify: Austin Police Cold Case Detective David Hruzek; Houston Police Sgt. Michael Dykens; FBI Special Agent Chad Fitzgerald; and FBI Special Agent Daniel Brust.
The prosecution brought two Houston murder cases into the record: the murders of Kenneth Brooks and Jacobi Alexander. They showed how Onyeri was initially a suspect in both cases and was charged in their murders. Those charges were eventually dismissed.
But the defense attorney pointed out some witness testimony discrepancies. He eventually asked the judge to give his client 30 years in prison instead.
Testimony also revealed that in September 2016, Onyeri attempted to contact six witnesses by smuggling a note out of the Travis County Jail and corruptly persuade them not to talk about Onyeri’s criminal activities to investigators in this case.
“I have watched Judge Kocurek and her family handle this ordeal with courage and grace. At long last, they see justice,” stated Travis County District Attorney Moore. “I commend Dayna Blazey from my office and AUSA Gregg Sofer, along with the host of federal, state, and local law enforcement officials, for their tireless efforts to reach this conclusion.”
“Today’s sentencing should send a clear message to those who threaten, injure or kill members of the judiciary – you will not escape the consequences of your actions. Justice will be served and you will be held accountable,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs. “It was an honor and privilege to work with Austin Police Department, and our law enforcement partners, to bring justice for a brave jurist and dedicated public servant whose life was changed forever by the defendant’s brazen and violent actions.
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