HOUSTON, TX – An emotional courtroom scene unfolded during the sentencing hearing of Frank DeLeon Jr., who pleaded guilty to the murder of 16-year-old Diamond Alvarez. The hearing took a dramatic turn when Alvarez’s mother, Anna Machado, confronted her daughter’s killer, leading to a brawl involving family members and bailiffs.
DeLeon, 20, had admitted to shooting Diamond Alvarez as she walked the family dog in January 2022. He entered a guilty plea and is now facing a 45-year prison sentence.
During the hearing, Machado addressed DeLeon, calling him a “monster” for his actions. She expressed her grief and anger, saying that her daughter’s life was not a joke. DeLeon reportedly showed no remorse and even laughed during the hearing.
Machado’s emotional words seemed to spark a brawl in the courtroom. Alvarez’s uncle charged at DeLeon, leading to a chaotic fight that required the intervention of bailiffs and court security officers.
Despite the brawl, Machado stood by her words, emphasizing that she was relieved her daughter’s killer had admitted to the crime. She expressed her intention to focus on her family and move forward.
While Alvarez’s uncle was taken into custody following the fight, it’s unclear if he was charged with a crime. Video footage showed a tense moment when a bailiff aimed a taser at him.
The courtroom scuffle was so intense that deputies from other courtrooms had to respond, causing an accused domestic abuser in another courtroom to escape. Michael Devon Combs, 32, managed to undo his leg irons and flee while authorities were occupied with the brawl. He had not been located as of Tuesday evening.
DeLeon accepted a plea deal on Tuesday, avoiding a trial. The murder occurred after Diamond Alvarez confronted DeLeon, who was dating her while in a long-term relationship with another girl. DeLeon shot her 22 times total, leading to her tragic death.
The case has seen previous disruptions, with a previous courtroom incident involving Alvarez’s brother charging at DeLeon during a hearing. DeLeon had been temporarily released on a $250,000 bond at one point but was later taken back into custody after his ankle monitor indicated he had left house arrest without notifying authorities.