LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - A judge has set a new trial date for a man accused of fatally shooting a Longview Taco Bell employee during an attempted robbery in 2024.
Brent DeLuca, 34, appeared in court for the first time in two years facing a capital murder charge in connection with the shooting at the Judson Road restaurant. The trial is scheduled for the week of March 29, 2027.
Police said the shooting occurred around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, after the restaurant lost power and employees stepped out into the parking lot. DeLuca approached the workers and attempted to rob them before fatally shooting one person, investigators said.
The victim was a 60-year-old mother of three. Following the shooting, DeLuca allegedly stole a car and fled the scene.
Gregg County prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty. During the hearing, the judge noted the potential penalty if convicted: “If you go to trial and you’re found guilty, it would be life without parole. You would never get out.”
DeLuca had not appeared before a judge since his arrest two years ago.
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