Stella Priscilla Perez, a 24-year-old woman of Hispanic ethnicity from Wichita Falls, Texas, tragically lost her life on October 5, 2004. She was killed by her boyfriend, Steven Ray Gaitan, during an argument. Gaitan, who was 28 years old at the time, claimed he did not know Stella was pregnant and that he only intended to intimidate her with the gun.
However, Stella's 9-year-old son testified that he saw Gaitan with the gun before the shooting, which occurred on his birthday.
The case went to trial, and Gaitan was convicted of murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 30 years. During the trial, Gaitan's relatives described him as respectful and a leader, but the jury ultimately rejected the capital murder charge, and prosecutors did not seek the death penalty.
Stella Priscilla Perez was remembered fondly by her family and friends. She had two young sons, Xavier Perez and Christian Ramirez, and was described as a caring and dedicated mother. Her funeral was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Wichita Falls, and she was buried at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
The tragic loss of Stella Priscilla Perez left a lasting impact on her family and community, and her story serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence.
