![Kody Austin Lott appeared in 30th District Court for a bench conference to finalize a change of venue and related matters as shown in this Aug. 10, 2018, file photo.](https://t-tees.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/who-killed-lauren-landavazo-1.jpg)
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals declined Wednesday to grant a review of killer Kody Austin Lott’s murder conviction, ending his chances for a state appeal, according to court documents.
Lott’s crimes sparked outrage and concern in the Wichita Falls community, which rallied around the Landavazos in the wake of their daughter’s death.
You are viewing: Who Killed Lauren Landavazo
Lott shot to death 13-year-old Lauren Landavazo and wounded her friend Makayla Smith on Sept. 2, 2016, as the teens walked home from McNeil Middle School.
He fired a semiautomatic rifle through the window of the vehicle he was driving, emptying a 30-round clip at the girls.
![Don Landavazo, Lauren Landavazo’s grandfather, carries her photo with keepsakes in his wallet as shown in this Sept. 19, 2018, file photo.](https://t-tees.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/who-killed-lauren-landavazo-2.jpg)
Bianka Landavazo took to social media Wednesday after learning the Court of Criminal Appeals turned down Lott’s request for a review of his conviction.
“Great news today!! Kody Lott’s final appeal was denied!!!” Bianka wrote in a Facebook post. “He will rot in prison where he belongs. It’s finally over.”
More:Lauren’s parents count their blessings after appeal fails for daughter’s killer
Bianka and husband Vern expressed gratitude for the work of Maureen Shelton, former Wichita County district attorney, after a Fort Worth appeals court denied Lott’s request for a new trial on Nov. 7, 2018.
Read more : Who Is Karlie Redd Dating 2023
“While we were still struggling to cope with the senselessness of Lauren’s loss, we knew that with Maureen leading the fight, that we would have justice for Lauren,” the Landavazos said in a joint statement the next day.
At that time, Wichita County District Attorney John Gillespie expressed doubt that the Court of Criminal Appeals, the highest court for criminal matters in Texas, would grant a review of Lott’s case.
Gillespie noted the Second Court of Appeals’ decision upholding Lott’s conviction was very strong.
More:Jurors sentence Kody Lott to life in prison for murder of Lauren Landavazo
A Tarrant County jury convicted Lott, 23, in September 2018 after the trial’s venue was moved to Fort Worth.
He is serving life in prison at the Skyview Unit in Rusk for Lauren’s murder and 20 years for the aggravated assault of Smith. The sentences are concurrent. He must also pay fines of $20,000.
He will be eligible for parole Sept. 3, 2046.
Vern and Bianka became activists for tougher laws on killers who murder children after the death of their child.
Read more : How To Find Out Who Developed A Website
Effective Sept. 1, 2018, Lauren’s Law toughens penalties in certain murder cases involving children.
![Bianka and Vern Landavazo pose for a photo with the prosecution team in a Fort Worth courtroom as shown in this Sept. 21, 2018, file photo after Kody Austin Lott was sentenced to life in prison for murdering their daughter.](https://t-tees.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/who-killed-lauren-landavazo-3.jpg)
The Landavazos have also been supporting the parents of another slain teen, Yajaira Garcia of Wichita Falls.
Bianka has said that being there for the Garcia family and others is part of the healing process.
Yajaira, a 17-year-old Wichita Falls High School senior, was shot Nov. 3, 2018, at the end of Hammon Ranch Road in Wichita County southwest of Wichita Falls, according to court records.
Joshua Christopher Ray Cook, 19, of Wichita Falls has been charged with murder and burglary of a habitation, according to court records.
Cook was free Thursday from Wichita County Jail on $310,000 in bonds, according to online jail records.
More:‘It’s sometimes about helping others’: Landavazos support parents of slain teen Yajaira Garcia
Trish Choate, enterprise watchdog reporter for the Times Record News, covers education, courts, breaking news, politics and more. She loves getting news tips. If you have a good one, contact Trish at [email protected]. Her Twitter handle is @Trishapedia.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHO