In the 175th Judicial District Court, Olanda Taylor was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Zachary Benavidez, a store clerk killed during a string of armed robberies on June 7, 2016. Taylor, along with co-defendant D'Anthony Carter, carried out three consecutive robberies, culminating in Benavidez’s death during the final incident.
Taylor initially confessed to the shooting and agreed to a plea deal of up to 50 years, contingent on his full cooperation in Carter's trial. However, Taylor violated the terms of the agreement, exposing himself to the possibility of life imprisonment. Judge Moore imposed the maximum sentence allowed.
The prosecution was led by Assistant Criminal District Attorney Madeline Flosi, supported by Investigator Albert Lopez and Crime Victim Advocate Helen Yruegas. Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales remarked, "Today's life sentence reinforces our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable. While we cannot undo the loss of Zachary Benavidez's life, we will continue to stand with his family and all victims, fighting for justice and accountability."
