19-Year-Old Houston Man Pleads Guilty to 2022 Murder of Former 16-Year-Old Girlfriend

A 19-year-old man from Houston has pleaded guilty to the 2022 murder of his former girlfriend, 16-year-old Diamond Alvarez. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced this development, stating that the man has accepted a 45-year prison sentence in exchange for his guilty plea.

Describing the case as a heartbreaking instance of domestic violence, Ogg emphasized the need to raise awareness about the dangers of intimate partner violence in an effort to prevent such tragic incidents. Frank DeLeon, the defendant, pleaded guilty to the murder of 16-year-old Diamond Alvarez, who was fatally shot more than 20 times while walking her dog near her home on January 11, 2022.

The tragic event occurred after Alvarez left her home to meet DeLeon at a neighborhood park upon learning of his involvement in another relationship. At approximately 9:30 p.m. that night, her family members heard multiple gunshots, and her dog returned home without her. A search led to the discovery of Alvarez, who had been shot multiple times in the 15400 block of Park Manor Street, near South Post Oak and Beltway 8.

DeLeon was subsequently apprehended a few days later. The case gained significant attention due to the violent nature of the crime and DeLeon’s release on bond.

DeLeon was scheduled to face trial this week, but he opted to plead guilty instead. As part of the plea agreement, he will not be able to appeal his murder conviction or the 45-year prison sentence. He must serve at least half of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Assistant District Attorney Steve Walsh and ADA Kim Garcia, who prosecuted the case, were prepared to select a jury this week when DeLeon chose to accept the plea agreement. Walsh noted that the agreed-upon sentence was deemed fair to spare Diamond’s family from reliving the traumatic details of the murder during a jury trial.

This development coincides with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Walsh used the occasion to remind the public not to hesitate to contact law enforcement if they are victims of domestic violence or know someone who is. The aim is to intervene and prevent further escalation of such situations.

DeLeon is expected to return to court for formal sentencing on Thursday.