Jury finds man guilty in killing of homeless man known as ‘Mexican Jerry’
Jerry Lynn McGavitt, the man found guilty for the murder of 21-year-old Gerardo Luna in 2014, has been sentenced to 60 years in prison.
McGavitt will be eligible for parole in 30 years.
The victim, a homeless man known as “Mexican Jerry,” was killed inside an abandoned building at 101 N. Mesa in Downtown El Paso on September 5, 2014.
According to court documents, Luna was allegedly strangled, beaten, bound, stabbed and gagged to death. His body was burned on a mattress in the basement of the building.
El Paso police crime scene investigator Joseph Valenzuela told the court about graffiti found at the entrance to the stairwell leading to the basement where the victim was found. The phrase “Death Awaits” was spray painted in large letters at the entrance.
In 2016, Thomas McNair was found guilty for his role in the murder of Luna. He was sentenced to 99 years in prison.
Three other homeless people were arrested in connection with Luna’s killing: Jesus Barraza, charged with murder; Marcus Adkins, charged with failure to report felony offense; and Brittney Stewart, charged with failure to report felony offense.
Thomas McNair was found guilty Friday in the murder of Gerardo Luna, also known as “Mexican Jerry,” in Judge William Moody’s courtroom.
Thomas McNair was found guilty Friday in the murder of Gerardo Luna, also known as “Mexican Jerry,” in Judge William Moody’s courtroom.
