LAREDO, Texas (Court TV) — A Texas man who shot his estranged wife while she was picking up their daughter was sentenced to 50 years in prison just hours after his conviction.
(L) Erica Torres, (R) Billy Delgado (Court TV)
Billy Delgado, 34, was found guilty of aggravated assault for the June 1, 2024, shooting of Erica Torres. Delgado shot at Torres more than a dozen times, hitting her five times in the abdomen, according to testimony.
Torres managed to drive herself away from the scene, but was involved in a car crash while trying to make it to the hospital. Torres said she spent a year in the hospital and underwent more than 20 surgeries.
Delgado was released on bond in October, but a warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to appear in court. At the time, his defense attorney claimed Delgado was sick. Jail records indicated Delgado was booked by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office on February 12.
DAILY TRIAL UPDATES
DAY 3- 7/30/25
- VIDEO: TX v. Billy Delgado, Day 3 | Shot Five Times Assault Trial
- In their closing argument, the prosecution cited overwhelming evidence, including Delgado’s own confession on the stand, his premeditated threats against Torres, and the firing of 10 rounds during the incident. Surveillance footage showed Delgado’s intent and actions, implying a calculated plan to harm Torres.
- The defense argued that the state failed to disprove the self-defense claim and suggested Delgado acted out of an immediate threat to his daughter rather than premeditation.
- After roughly two hours of deliberations, the jury found Delgado guilty of aggravated assault.
- Victim Erica Torres delivered a victim impact statement prior to sentencing.
- Delgado’s mother spoke before her son was sentenced.
- Having been convicted of shooting his estranged wife, Delgado was sentenced to 50 years in prison for aggravated assault.
- Victim Erica Torres and her mother made victim impact statements after sentencing.
DAY 2- 7/29/25
- VIDEO: TX v. Billy Delgado, Day 2 | Shot Five Times Assault Trial
- Kayla De La Cruz, cousin of Erica Torres, testified that she was on the phone with Torres when she was shot by Delgado. In a panic, Kayla called 911 and used a tracking app to provide location details. Upon reaching the scene, she found Torres in her car, slumped forward and unresponsive, with airbags deployed.
- Dr. Ivan Mederos, a general surgeon, testified about treating Torres after she arrived as a trauma code with life-threatening injuries. Dr. Mederos estimated her chances of survival were less than 50%. Dr. Mederos also outlined the long-term implications of her injuries, including significant damage to her intestines and pancreas, and the loss of a substantial portion of her small intestine. He projected that Erica would face chronic health issues and would require ongoing monitoring for the rest of her life, indicating she would never fully recover.
- Torres’ mother, Inez Terrazas, testified about her daughter’s difficult marriage to Delgado, which ended in divorce in 2025.
- On June 1, 2024, while at work, Terrazas received frantic calls, first from Delgado’s mother and then from her niece Kayla, informing her that Delgado had shot Torres.
- Terrazas testified about the multiple surgeries Torres underwent and hospital transfers, her extensive rehabilitation and ongoing care.
- Throughout her recovery, Terrazas has been Torres’ primary caregiver. She shared her deep concerns about her Torres’ quality of life, the challenges she faces, and her ability to care for her daughters.
- WATCH: Victim Erica Torres’ Mother: ‘We Were Praying for a Miracle’
- Erica Torres took the stand and described the injuries that required over 20 surgeries and left her in the hospital for 363 days.
- Torres said she was shot through the windshield of her vehicle, and that she realized she was shot because she felt like she couldn’t breathe.
- Torres said her relationship with Delgado was troubled, marked by frequent arguments and physical confrontations. She described incidents where Delgado would pull her hair, grab her arms or shove her when she tried to leave the home during disputes.
- Torres said that days before the shooting, on her birthday – May 19, Delgado told her to “enjoy my smiles and laughs, because it was gonna be my last birthday.”
- Torres said she has permanent scars and ongoing medical issues from the shooting; she has to wear a girdle due to lack of abdominal muscle, cannot lift more than 10 pounds and experiences leakage from her wounds.
- Torres was asked about prior arrests and allegations of assault during cross-examination.
- MORE: ‘I couldn’t breathe’: Erica Torres describes being shot five times at ex’s trial
- WATCH: Victim Erica Torres Describes Shooting: I Just Did Not Want To Die’Defendant
- WATCH: Shot Five Times Assault Trial: Shooting Victim Erica Torres Takes Stand
- Defendant Billy Delgado, who took the stand in his own defense, described his background (35-years-old, from Laredo, Texas; worked as a welder, has an 11-year-old son from a previous relationship) before discussing his relationship with Erica Torres.
- Delgado detailed a year of cohabitation and frequent domestic issues, including physical altercations initiated by Erica.
- Explained the context of his gun purchase in August 2023, motivated by fear of retaliation from Erica’s family.
- Mentioned concerns regarding alleged abuse of his daughter by Erica’s brother.
- Described the night of the shooting as a confrontation over the abuse incident, leading to a “blackout” state where he shot at Erica.
- Expressed remorse in court but noted earlier prison phone calls where he claimed not to regret his actions.
- Venecia Flores (Defendant’s Aunt)
- Observed past domestic violence incidents in Billy and Erica’s relationship.
- Affirmed that Billy is not the type to shoot others, characterizing him as a good person.
- Mentioned the toxic relationship between Billy and Erica, witnessing troubling changes in Billy during that time.
- Connie Delgado (Defendant’s Mother)
- Confirmed a drastic change in Billy’s character after he became involved with Erica.
- Described ongoing incidents of domestic violence during their relationship.
- Expressed disbelief that Billy would commit a violent act like shooting someone, emphasizing her view of him as a good person.
DAY 1 – 7/28/25
- VIDEO: TX v. Billy Delgado, Day 1 | Shot Five Times Assault Trial
- The prosecution argued in its opening that victim Erica Torres was shot multiple times and struggled to reach the hospital but did not make it.
- Prosecution promised that Torres will testify and recount her story firsthand.
- Investigator Juan A. Lopez identified bullet casings and crime scene photos.
- Video clips of officers detaining Billy Delgado were played. They captured Delgado’s emotional statements about the situation during his detention.
- Sharon Estrada, Delgado’s former roommate, described hearing gunshots.
- Estrada also provided emotional testimony about Delgado’s character and their relationship.
- Investigator Florencio Barrera presented surveillance video of the shooting.
- Described audio of gunfire and Delgado aiming at the vehicle occupied by Erica Torres.
- Officer Luis F. Castillo, an off-duty officer who heard gunshots and responded to the accident involving Erica Torres’ Kia Soul, detailed his observations of the crash scene, describing Torres in distress and pleading for her children.
- Adrian Rodriguez, an eyewitness, described observing erratic driving by the Kia and the crash that followed.
- Flagged down emergency services after witnessing the accident.
- Investigator Marco Vela conducted gunshot residue (GSR) testing on Billy Delgado. He described the testing process and Delgado’s demeanor, noting an initial combative attitude that later became indifferent.
- On cross, Vela was questioned about the adequacy of evidence preservation during the investigation.
- Testified that Delgado expressed dissatisfaction with the GSR testing process.
Parts of this story were reported on-air by a journalist and have been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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