Gillentine sentenced to 40 years in 90th District Court for murder

Gage Gillentine, charged with the capital murder of multiple persons, agreed to a plea deal with the 90th Judicial District Attorney’s office Tuesday during a court hearing.

The 90th Judicial District Judge Stephen Bristow agreed to allow Gillentine to plea guilty to murder -- lesser included offense. Gillentine will serve 40 years in the institutional division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice with credit for 321 days served. He was given a $7,500 fine. He was also ordered to pay $6,500 in restitution and $290 in court costs. Gillentine will be eligible for parole in 20 years, according to District Attorney Dee Peavy. As part of the agreement, Gillentine waived his right to appeal.

“We talked to the defense attorney. We look at the strengths of their case and we look at the strengths of our case and determine what we are comfortable with as far as doing justice,” Peavy said. “I contacted the family about it. Ultimately, it’s my call, but I certainly want to consider the wishes of the family. You can just imagine how devastated they are. They lost such a young, beautiful soul. You heard that in the courtroom. They felt that under the circumstances, they understood why I was doing what I was doing. They were in agreement.”

For the rest of the story, see the Aug. 7 edition of The Graham Leader.