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State of Texas v. Michael Nevarez
Date: 11-03-2026
Case Number:
Judge: Not Available
Court: District Court, Dallas County, Texas
Plaintiff's Attorney: Marissa Hatchett, Katherine Lessing and Lauren Livingsto
Defendant's Attorney:
Click Here For The Best Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory
Description:
Dallas, Texas, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with murder.
Michael Nevarez, 45, who was 16 in 1997, when he shot and killed 21-year-
old Damond Wittman outside a Deep Ellum nightclub, a case that resulted in an innocent man spending more than 25 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.
On July 14, 1997, Wittman was standing in a parking lot outside a Deep Ellum nightclub with friends when a male approached and asked for a cigarette. After Wittman gave him one, the male pulled out a gun and demanded money. Wittman attempted to fight off the gunman but was shot multiple times. He later died at Baylor University Medical Center.
In 1998, 24-year-old Martin Santillan was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison for Wittman’s killing. Santillan maintained his innocence, but his conviction stood for more than 25 years.
Michael Nevarez, 45, who was 16 in 1997, when he shot and killed 21-year-
old Damond Wittman outside a Deep Ellum nightclub, a case that resulted in an innocent man spending more than 25 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.
On July 14, 1997, Wittman was standing in a parking lot outside a Deep Ellum nightclub with friends when a male approached and asked for a cigarette. After Wittman gave him one, the male pulled out a gun and demanded money. Wittman attempted to fight off the gunman but was shot multiple times. He later died at Baylor University Medical Center.
In 1998, 24-year-old Martin Santillan was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison for Wittman’s killing. Santillan maintained his innocence, but his conviction stood for more than 25 years.
Outcome:
The Defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 21 years in prison.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:
About This Case
What was the outcome of State of Texas v. Michael Nevarez?
The outcome was: The Defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 21 years in prison.
Which court heard State of Texas v. Michael Nevarez?
This case was heard in District Court, Dallas County, Texas, TX. The presiding judge was Not Available.
Who were the attorneys in State of Texas v. Michael Nevarez?
Plaintiff's attorney: Marissa Hatchett, Katherine Lessing and Lauren Livingsto. Defendant's attorney: Click Here For The Best Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory.
When was State of Texas v. Michael Nevarez decided?
This case was decided on November 3, 2026.