NEW BOSTON, Texas-A Bowie County jury recommended a 15-year sentence Wednesday at the end of a punishment only robbery trial for a man who stole a car and a cellphone.
Fletcher DeWayne Peters Jr., 20, pleaded guilty to robbery but asked that a jury assess his punishment. Jurors heard testimony Tuesday and Wednesday in the case. Wednesday the jury recommended a 15-year term after considering a punishment range of two to 20 years.
Peters was among several people the victim agreed to give a ride July 23, 2016, to Beverly Park in Texarkana, Texas, according to a probable cause affidavit used to create the following account. The victim reported that Peters, whom he knew as Wayne, walked out of sight once they arrived at the park.
The victim was preparing to leave about 12:30 a.m. when five men, one of whom he recognized as Peters, rushed up to his car. Peters was holding a pistol and told the victim he was going to get shot if he didn't get out of his Hyundai Elantra. Peters demanded the victim's money but settled for his cellphone and phone access code when the victim told him he didn't have any cash.
Peters and some of the men drove away in the victim's car. Peters was represented by Bowie County Public Defender Chad Crowl. District Attorney Jerry Rochelle and Assistant District Attorney Lauren Richards handled the prosecution.
"I commend the jury for taking their time and weighing all the information that was presented," Rochelle said. "Based on the nature of the offense, and the mitigation offered by the defense, the jury did an outstanding job in reaching their decision and justice was served."
Richards echoed Rochelle's appreciation for the jury's service.
"We appreciate the jury's verdict in this case," Richards said. "We know they carefully considered all of the evidence presented from both the state and defense and assessed Mr. Peters a fair punishment."