BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – A man accused of murder who was on the run for eight years before his 2023 arrest has taken a plea deal in the case.
Isaac Estrada was originally charged with capital murder for the stabbing death of 22-year-old Courtney Phillips.
Estrada took a plea deal on the lesser charge of murder. On Wednesday, 290th District Court visiting Judge Laura Parker sentenced him to 35 years for murder and five years for aggravated robbery.
The sentences will run concurrently.
Estrada killed Phillips, a single mom, on April 5, 2015. He was on the run until March 2023 when he was arrested in Eagle Pass.
According to the state, Phillips was stabbed six times, including once in the back.
Prosecutors told the judge before sentencing that Estrada had bragged to others about the murder and how he watched her die.
During Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, Estrada apologized to Phillips’ family.
“I’d like to say sorry to the family. I’m sorry,” Estrada said.
Estrada is eligible for parole after serving half of his sentence.