On January 28, 2020, 15-year-old Guillermo Chino, a Hispanic male, was tragically shot in the head during an argument with his friend, 38-year-old Damien Desvignes, in southeast Houston, TX. Guillermo was found on the stairwell of an apartment complex with a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. According to police reports, Desvignes believed Guillermo had stolen money and other items from his car earlier that night.
Desvignes was charged with murder and
aggravated assault of a family member. He was arrested and held on a $250,000 bond. During the investigation, it was revealed that Desvignes thought Guillermo would accuse him of raping a friend's sister. After shooting Guillermo, Desvignes pointed the gun at his wife but the weapon was unloaded. Desvignes then allegedly choked his wife for several minutes before she managed to call 911.
In April 2022, after a trial, Damien Desvignes was acquitted of the murder charges. The jury found him not guilty, and he was released from custody. The case drew significant attention due to the tragic nature of the incident and the subsequent legal proceedings.
Guillermo's mother, Maribel Chino, recalled the last conversation she had with her son, where he said, "I love you mom and I'll be here in 30 minutes," before the shooting occurred. The loss of her son has been devastating for her and the community.
The case highlights the complexities and challenges of the legal system in dealing with such tragic events and the impact on the families involved.
