CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Andrew Lugo, accused of stabbing and killing Jeremiah Vera in 2022, pleaded guilty on Monday and was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Tuesday.
In October 2022, Lugo was arrested for Vera's death after the teen was found dead inside his apartment on Corban Drive.
According to Lugo attorney Scott Ellison's opening argument Monday, the 18-year-olds met in juvenile detention, became friends and later lovers.
Ellison said that when Lugo tried to end the secret relationship because his girlfriend was pregnant, Vera reportedly began sending messages threatening to cut the baby out and kill Lugo's girlfriend.
Lugo ultimately responded by fighting with Vera, stabbing him once during the altercation, Ellison said, in an attempt to protect his girlfriend and sisters, who had also received threatening messages.
Following Lugo's plea, the State presented evidence from the day of the murder including statements from family members, witnesses and counselors.
Nueces County Asst. District Attorney Jonathan Crocker told 3NEWS on Monday how much prison time Lugo could face.
"His punishment range is technically five to 50 at the moment, however defense council is going to argue, as they said in their opening for sudden passion," Crocker said. "If the judge finds that she could assess punishment from two to 20 in that case."
Digital director Ana Tamez contributed to this story.
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