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A jury in Texas has concluded its deliberations regarding a teenager charged in the fatal stabbing of a fellow student, resulting in a verdict of not guilty for murder and a guilty verdict for criminally negligent homicide.
Following a day of deliberation, a Bell County jury reported that they did not find Caysen Allison guilty of murder regarding the death of Joe Ramirez Jr., who was stabbed at Belton High School in May 2022, as reported by KWTX.
While Allison received a conviction for criminally negligent homicide, he has been released on bond under specific conditions until his sentencing hearing scheduled for June 16. He faces a potential sentence ranging from six months to two years in a state prison, along with a possible fine up to $10,000.
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The jury determined that Allison was not guilty of murder in the incident involving Joe Ramirez Jr., according to the police department’s reports. After a judge negotiated Allison’s bond down from $1 million to $175,000, he has been under house arrest since July 2022.
According to the Belton Police Department, Allison fled the scene of the incident but was apprehended approximately 20 minutes later. The confrontation occurred during a scuffle in the school’s restroom, as detailed in an arrest affidavit obtained by KWTX.
The affidavit indicated that Allison confessed to detectives that he had fatally stabbed Ramirez Jr. in the course of the altercation.
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Ramirez Jr. was reportedly discovered with severe stab wounds and was quickly transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
Witness testimony from Chris Bittle, one of Allison’s friends, recounted events leading to the confrontation. He detailed an earlier argument between Allison and Ramirez during a prom after-party, which escalated into a planned fight at school. However, they were caught off guard when they encountered Ramirez and his group in the bathroom.
Bittle claimed he attempted to intervene when Ramirez struck Allison, but was also attacked, as suggested by video footage of the altercation.
Allison’s legal representation argued that he acted in self-defense during a life-threatening confrontation. Evidence gathered included overheard conversations after the incident and physical evidence, such as blood on Allison’s shoes and details regarding the knife used in the stabbing.
Testimony from Madison Barnes, Ramirez’s ex-girlfriend, revealed that Allison had previously made threatening remarks about Ramirez.
Ramirez Jr. was acknowledged on a GoFundMe page as a “very kind, loving and gentle young man,” highlighting the tragic loss felt by the community.
Allison’s attorney expressed a mix of relief and sorrow regarding the jury’s decision, emphasizing the complexities involved in cases steeped in bullying and self-defense considerations.
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The case has drawn attention amidst a recent spate of violence in Texas schools, including another incident where a teen was tragically killed at a high school track event.
Karmelo Anthony, accused of fatally stabbing track star Austin Metcalf, has been granted a bond reduction, reflecting similar conditions imposed on Allison following his arrest. Unlike Allison’s case, the juvenile status of Anthony means he cannot face the death penalty in accordance with a prior Supreme Court ruling.
This case continues to unfold, with significant implications for the students involved and their communities.
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