Man who killed teen in Houston traffic accident after playing Astros sentenced to 30 years in prison

HOUSTON (AP) — Authorities announced Tuesday that a man accused of fatally killing a teenager on the road while he and his family were driving home from a 2021 Houston Astros game has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Gerald Williams was scheduled to appear in court this week in connection with the murder of 17-year-old David Castro.

Authorities said Castro, his father and brother were stuck in traffic in July 2021 when the teenager’s father, Paul Castro, exchanged gestures with Williams. Police said Williams drove aggressively and avoided cars when stuck in traffic.

Police said Williams, 35, chased the Castro family for several miles on Interstate 10 before shooting at their truck shortly after both vehicles left the freeway. David was shot in the head. He died in the hospital. His father and brother were not hurt.

During Tuesday’s court hearing, prosecutors said Williams agreed to plead guilty to murder in exchange for a 30-year sentence.

After the hearing, Paul Castro told reporters that his family supported the plea agreement as it meant his family could avoid a repeat of the shooting injury during the trial.

Castro said he read the victim’s statement to Williams to convey the pain and sadness his family experienced after the shooting.

“I need him to know that he terrified my two sons that night and one of them did not survive. I hope he dreams about it every night, no matter how many years he lives, because every night I go to bed with this image in my head,” he said.