2 ex-Fort Bliss soldiers convicted in separate drug-related murders, each gets life sentence

EL PASO, Texas -- Two former Fort Bliss soldiers were convicted Thursday in separate murder cases tied to drugs, with each receiving a life prison sentence for their crimes.

Eric Duvall was convicted of capital murder in the Jan. 2016 drug-related slaying of teenager Michael Tapia in Montana Vista. The 16-year-old was shot in the back of the neck during what authorities said started out as a drug deal.

Duvall automatically receives a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Duvall’s accomplice in the killing, ex-soldier Tyler Hall, had previously admitted guilt and is currently serving out a 50-year prison sentence.

Meanwhile, yet another former Fort Bliss soldier pleaded guilty on Thursday to a lesser count of murder in a deal with prosecutors.

Zachary Johnston admitted to slitting the throat of fellow soldier Tyler Kaden Croke during a May 2017 drug robbery at an east El Paso apartment complex.

Johnston’s conviction sends him to prison for life, but with the possibility of parole.