Lubbock Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting Death in Drunken Frenzy

A man in Lubbock, Texas, was sentenced to 80 years in prison after pleading guilty to shooting and killing another man four years ago. He claimed, however, that he committed the crime in a drunken stupor, not remembering if he did or didn't do it at the time.

Read More: Infant Death and SWAT Standoff: Lubbock Man Pleads Guilty

The Sentencing of Joshua Walker in Lubbock, TX

Joshua Walker, 48, received a prison sentence of 80 years from a jury who only took one hour to make their decision.

Walker has been held at the Lubbock County Detention Center for over three years after his arrest in 2021.

The 2021 Deadly Lubbock Shooting

On December 27, 2021, LPD responded to a shots fired call at the 500 block of 79th Street. When they arrived, they found 68-year-old Alberto Garza Sr. dead at the scene with gunshot wounds. Another man, Timothy Lovato who lived next door, was also shot and rushed to the hospital by officers.

Doorbell footage showed a white delivery truck leaving the home after the shooting happened. Joshua Walker was linked to this truck, and a warrant for his arrest was soon issued by LPD.

Court testimonies from Walker's daughter revealed that he showed up to the home to confront Garza whom he believed was involved with injuring a separate family member. After conflict ensued, Walker ended up shooting Garza during the argument. Garza's neighbor, Lovato, was also shot after attempting to dissolve the conflict.

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Witness Testimony

A witness who lived nearby told police that she heard the men fighting before gunshots were fired. She then saw the white moving truck leaving the house afterwards.

When police questioned Walker, he claimed he was at home all day the attack took place. He said he was drinking alone, but that it was possible he left his house without remembering.

Walker also said it was possible that he killed Garza after bullet casings matching a gun he owned were found at the scene. He also owned the white truck that was seen driving away from the property after the attack.

Walker reportedly drove the truck to his uncle's house, about an hour after shooting Garza, where he told his uncle he thought he killed someone.