FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APPEALS COURT UPHOLDS MEADOUX CONVICTION

San Antonio, Texas: December 9, 2009:

This morning the Fourth Court of Appeals affirmed the life without parole conviction of Chris Meadoux, who was convicted of the Capital Murder of Johnny You, age 18, and Luis Martinez, age 19.

On January 24, 2007, Meadoux, then age 16, shot both victims twice, cut their throats, and set the house on fire in an attempt to burn the bodies to destroy evidence. Firemen discovered the bodies when they responded to the emergency fire call.

Meadoux was certified to stand trial as an adult. His trial began on August 8, 2008 and he was convicted by a jury in the 289th District Court before the Honorable Judge Carmen Kelsey. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole on August 19, 2008. On appeal, Meadoux complained that his statement to police should not have been admitted into evidence against him and challenged the constitutionality of the Texas life without parole punishment for juvenile offenders sentencing scheme.

The Fourth Court of Appeals held that Meadoux's confession was not the product of a custodial interrogation and was voluntary, the evidence was legally and factually sufficient to support his conviction for capital murder, and his sentence of life imprisonment without parole was not unconstitutional.

For more information contact Cliff Herberg, First Assistant District Attorney, at (210) 335-2342.