Austin Serial Killer Sentenced to Life in Prison
Austin, Texas – Raul Meza Jr., a man suspected of being a serial killer, was sentenced to life in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to two murder charges. The hearing took place in the 390th Travis County State District Court and was filled with emotion and tension as family members of the victims expressed their pain and frustration over the plea deal.
Details of the Crimes
Meza pleaded guilty to capital murder for the 2019 death of Gloria Lofton, a 65-year-old woman, in Austin. He also pleaded guilty to murder in the 2023 slaying of Jesse Fraga, an 80-year-old man from Pflugerville. Meza has a history of violent crime, having been convicted of the 1982 murder, sexual assault, and strangulation of 8-year-old Kendra Page, for which he served 11 years of a 30-year sentence.
Victim’s Families Speak Out
During the hearing, Sonia Houston, the daughter of Gloria Lofton, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the plea deal. She stated that the families had wanted Travis County District Attorney José Garza to seek the death penalty for Meza. “A lifetime in jail will not be equal to the pain that we have all experienced,” Houston said. Her words resonated in the courtroom, highlighting the anger and sadness that the victims’ families have been feeling.
Judge Julie Kocurek, who presided over the case, explained that Meza’s plea was unique because he admitted guilt to the maximum sentence allowed. Usually, people take plea deals for lesser sentences. She noted that Garza’s decision not to pursue the death penalty was something she could not change, stating, “I know it doesn’t help your pain. This will ensure he never walks on the streets of our community again.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities believe Meza is linked to as many as 10 other homicides. Investigators had previously linked him to a 2018 cold case and reported missteps in DNA evidence that may have allowed him to continue killing. An internal memo from the Austin Police Department suggested that more careful handling of evidence might have prevented the death of Jesse Fraga.
Meza’s Response
When asked if he felt sorry for his actions, Meza responded that he didn’t see any point in apologizing, saying, “It’s too late. What’s the use if a person will not accept it?” Judge Kocurek addressed him sternly, reminding Meza that he had been terrorizing the community for far too long.
Community’s Reaction
The courtroom was filled with tension as members of the public reacted to the proceedings. One audience member expressed agreement after Kocurek’s remarks, while another family member broke down in tears. Kevin Page, Kendra’s brother, also spoke out, calling Meza “pure evil” and expressing frustration over the fact that Meza would be able to live a life in prison while his loved ones were gone forever.
Future Proceedings
Meza waived his right to appeal the sentence, which means the case will not be reopened for legal challenges. The prosecutors requested to dismiss an unrelated charge of unauthorized use of a vehicle. The District Attorney stated, “Our hearts continue to break for the Lofton and Fraga families. We are grateful to our prosecutors and law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly on these cases and secured justice for the victims’ families.”
The families of the victims expressed their desire for justice but lamented the plea deal, showing that the pain of loss continues to affect them deeply. The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of violent crime within communities.
