HOUSTON, TX – A tragic incident involving a shotgun blast turned what was meant to be a prank into a devastating loss for a Texas family. The family of 19-year-old Marissa Dykeman is speaking out after the person responsible for her death accepted a plea deal resulting in probation rather than prison time.
In December 2022, Marissa was shot by a family friend, 17-year-old Carmen Wilson, in what was described as a misguided attempt at humor. Wilson allegedly lured Marissa into a room under the pretense of showing her something, only to pull the trigger of a shotgun at close range. The fatal shooting occurred in Marissa’s Crosby home.
Wilson was charged with manslaughter and initially spent a day in jail. Last week, he accepted a plea deal for five years of deferred adjudication, despite the state’s request for a 15-year prison sentence. The decision has left Marissa’s family feeling that justice was not served.
Linda Jackson, Marissa’s grandmother, expressed her deep disappointment with the legal system. She shared a poignant poem she had hoped to read in court, lamenting the loss of her granddaughter and her shattered faith in justice.
The judge in the case, Anna Martinez, cited several factors influencing her decision, including Wilson’s age and his immediate attempts to provide aid by performing CPR and calling 911. However, the deliberation did not sit well with Marissa’s family, who believed that a harsher sentence was warranted.
The district attorney’s office emphasized the strength of their case, which included compelling evidence and emotional testimonies from witnesses. Marissa’s family hopes that Wilson will carry the weight of his actions, haunted by the memory of that fateful day.
Efforts to contact Judge Martinez and Wilson’s defense attorney for comments have so far been unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Marissa’s family continues to seek closure and justice for their beloved daughter and granddaughter.
The community remains divided over the outcome, with some questioning the leniency of the sentence and others sympathizing with the young age of the offender. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about accountability and the justice system’s handling of juvenile offenders.