A Texas man received the maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars for fatally stabbing a fellow high school student in 2022.
Judge Wade Faulkner made a decision on Monday to give 21-year-old Caysen Allison the harshest punishment allowed for causing the death of Jose “Joe” Luis Ramirez Jr in Belton County. This ruling came after a trial that lasted a little over two weeks, during which a jury found Allison not guilty of murder on April 29. However, he was convicted of a lesser charge, criminally negligent homicide, leading to a reduced sentence that could range from probation to a maximum of two years in jail.
During the incident that took place on May 18, 2022, at Belton High School, prosecutors alleged that Allison, who was 18 at the time, fatally stabbed Ramirez, also 18, during a physical altercation. The jury’s decision to convict Allison of a lesser offense resulted in a less severe punishment than what he could have faced if found guilty of murder.
On May 27, Faulkner ruled that a deadly weapon was used in the attack, which increased the sentence to 10 years in prison.
According to reports by CrimeOnline, the confrontation between Allison and Ramirez turned violent, culminating in the tragic outcome at the high school in Belton. The legal proceedings following the incident ultimately led to Allison being sentenced by Judge Faulkner to the most severe penalty for his involvement in Ramirez’s death.
The incident involved Allison, Ramirez, and four other boys inside a school bathroom. Ramirez had previously confronted Allison during an after-prom party after accusing Allison of behaving aggressively toward a friend’s date. The pair agreed to fight at a later time, off-campus, but bumped into each other in the bathroom beforehand.
Ramirez said that if they were going to fight, they should go ahead and fight in the bathroom, according to witness testimony. Witnesses also said the bathroom brawl was not planned, and that Allison said he did not want to fight before Ramirez threw a punch at him.
Allison then stabbed Ramirez in the chest, arms and buttocks.
“I was just trying to protect myself,” Allison later told police.
The victim’s family erupted in cheers after hearing the sentence, but Ramirez’s mother, Amanda Rios, said the sentence was light compared to a life without her child.
“Nothing will ever change this reality,” Rios said. “He will get to go on and live his life. My son, on the other hand, will not.”
When Allison’s lawyers claimed that Allison would also have to “live with this,” Rios responded, “He has to deal with it because of his own choices. I didn’t make him do it.”
When questioned if she was seeking revenge over justice, Rios shes, “Vengeance isn’t for me to seek; it’s for God,” before addressing Caysen directly.
“You may have received a 10-year sentence, but I face a lifetime without my son.”
[Feature Photos: Joe Ramirez/Handout; Caysen Allison/Benton County PD]]
