CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Nueces County jury found Thelma Villarreal not guilty in the 2018 shooting homicide of 21-year-old Alexandra Winfree.
Trial began Wednesday in Judge Missy Medary's 347th District Court and resumed Thursday morning, with witnesses giving testimony along with Villarreal herself.
Villarreal's defense team said the shooting was done in self defense.
"She broke down into tears, she was obviously happy with the outcome," said Villarreal's defense attorney Gabi Canales. "I know she is very remorseful and she's very sad about the loss of Mrs. Winfrey's life and is sad this whole thing happened. If she could have taken it back she would have."
Jurors reached a not-guilty verdict Thursday afternoon.
Canales also spoke about the social media reaction following the not guilty verdict.
"People are very quick to judge, they judge the work of the district attorney and my work and Thelma, but the people who were sitting in that jury box heard the evidence they listened to it from start to finish," Canales said.
Police said the shooting, which happened on Dec. 29 of 2018, stemmed from a disturbance at the Homecrest Street residence. When officers arrived at the scene they found Winfree with gunshot wounds to her upper torso. She was rushed to the hospital where she later died from her injuries.
Police said Villarreal was arrested later that day. Her trial was originally scheduled to happen in 2019 but faced multiple delays. Villarreal's requests for a reduced bond were also denied in October of that year.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- These houses are lit! Here's where you can see Christmas lights in Corpus Christi
- Man bitten by shark while surfing at North Packery Channel
- South Texas drag productions company said they're upping security due to threats
- Nueces County traffic stop turns into largest liquid fentanyl drug bust in US history
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Put your name and contact information below, or email tell3@kiiitv.com, so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
If you do not have a photo/video to submit, just click "OK" to skip that prompt.