Emotional Courtroom Scenes As Belton Student Faces Consequences

Yesterday, Caysen Tyler Allison, 21, was sentenced to ten years in prison for the stabbing death of Jose "Joe" Ramirez at Belton High School in 2022.

Details of the 2022 Incident

On May 3, 2022, a fight broke out between the two students in a school bathroom which ended when Allison stabbed Ramirez with a knife. They were both 18 at the time.

Deadly Weapon Enhancement Adds Years

A guilty conviction of Criminally Negligent Homicide usually carries a maximum sentence of 2 years. However, The Judge imposed a deadly weapon enhancement which meant that he could increase the maximum sentence to 10 years without parole.

Emotional Testimony at Sentencing Hearing

At the sentencing hearing, several witnesses testified about Ramirez's death and the trauma the incident inflicted on students, staff, and the community. Teachers and family shared the emotional weight that there was for the students going through the system.

Arguments from Defense

The defense maintained there were reasons to consider a more lenient sentence based on the display of remorse from Allison and the risk he would face if processed through the prison system.

Arguments from Prosecution

Prosecutors distinguished themselves in arguing that the end goal of the sentencing hearing was for the court to reflect the seriousness of the crime. In the end, Judge Wade Faulker sentenced Caysen Tyler Allison to 10 years in state prison with credit towards time served.

The case drew significant attention across Central Texas at a time when concerns about school safety and the overall tension of how violent conduct would be handled in the judicial system were paramount. We are ending the criminal process stemming from tragic events that will leave long lasting consequences for the community.