MIDLAND, TX (KWES) – Juan Gonzales, 45, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his common-law wife, Kathy Lujan, whose body he hid after killing her in 2016.
Lujan was reported missing by Gonzales in May 2016, prompting an investigation by the Midland Police Department. However, tips quickly led investigators to suspect foul play and they soon believed the case to be a homicide.
According to Midland County District Attorney Laura Nodolf, Gonzales initially reached out to detectives, claiming that Lujan had died by suicide and that he had moved her body. This statement was inconsistent with the evidence found during the investigation, which led to the discovery of Lujan’s body. Gonzales was subsequently indicted for murder and tampering with evidence.
During his trial, Gonzales admitted to killing Lujan, and he requested that the jury consider whether his actions were committed under the “sudden heat of passion.” However, the jury rejected this argument, determining that Gonzales did not kill Lujan in sudden heat of passion.
As a result, Gonzales was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Additionally, he was fined $10,000 for each offense.
The case sheds light on a tragic event, as Kathy Lujan’s death has now been officially ruled a homicide, with her killer receiving a life sentence for his actions.
