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Randall County District Attorney, 2309 Russell Long Boulevard, Canyon, TX (2026)

10/19/2026

LAWRENCE JOHNSTON SENTENCED TO 50 YEARS FOR MURDER

On Friday, October 16, 2026, following a five-day jury trial, LAWRENCE SCOTT JOHNSTON was found GUILTY of MURDER and sentenced to 50 years in prison. Under Texas law, murder is a first-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison.

This conviction stems from the July 8, 2025, shooting death of Christopher Scott Copeland in the courtyard of an apartment building in Amarillo, Texas. JOHNSTON and Copeland were neighbors who lived on different floors of the same building. At the time of the shooting, Copeland was watering plants in the courtyard.

During the trial, evidence showed that Copeland was holding a garden hose when JOHNSTON went upstairs, loaded his fi***rm, and began “blasting away” at Copeland. JOHNSTON fired nine shots, six of which struck Copeland. JOHNSTON told officers he felt like Copeland was dismissive toward him.

After a short deliberation, a Randall County jury rejected JOHNSTON’s claim of self-defense and found him GUILTY of murder.

During the punishment phase of trial, jurors heard testimony about the profound impact of Copeland’s death on his family and the Amarillo Police Department. Copeland has previously demonstrated extraordinary courage by intervening when another defendant attempted to take an Amarillo Police Officer’s fi***rm and ultimately shot the officer. Copeland helped save the officer’s life, and both men survived that incident. In recognition of his bravery, Copeland was posthumously awarded the Carnegie Medal.

Christopher Copeland leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will continue to grieve his loss. While no verdict or sentence can undo the devastating impact of his death, the Randall County District Attorney’s Office hopes this conviction and sentence provide his loved ones with some measure of justice.

With the family’s permission, the District Attorney’s Office is sharing Copeland’s name and photograph to honor his memory and recognize the life that was taken. His courage, compassion, and willingness to put himself in harm’s way to help another will not be forgotten.

May Christopher Copeland rest in peace, and may his family and friends find comfort and solace in the days ahead.

10/02/2026

Today, we were honored to participate in the Domestic Violence Awareness Walk. 💜

Walking in support of survivors, remembering those we’ve lost, and helping raise awareness that no one should have to experience abuse in silence. 💜

09/27/2026

Please join us this Thursday as we come together to raise awareness about domestic violence and stand in support of survivors, families, and those we have lost.

Together, we can break the silence, challenge the stigma, and remind our community that no one has to face abuse alone.

Every step matters. Every voice matters. 💜

We hope to see you there.

09/25/2026

JURY CONVICTS SHAWN WIGGINS FOR SPITTING ON POLICE OFFICER.
JURY SENTENCES HIM TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON AND $7000 FINE.

On September 21, 2026, the 251st District Court began a jury trial against Shawn Allen Wiggins, who was charged with Harassment of a Public Servant. In Texas, Harassment of a Public Servant is a third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).

The charges stem from an incident on July 9th, 2025, when Amarillo Police Department officers were dispatched to a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers found Wiggins standing outside the residence. When Officers attempted to speak with Wiggins, he spoke incoherently, admitted to consuming alcohol, and made threats to harm someone inside the residence. Officers arrested Wiggins for public intoxication. During the arrest, Wiggins resisted, refused to be placed in the police car, and spit in an officer’s face.

After hearing testimony from the three responding officers and viewing footage from their body-worn cameras, the jury found Wiggins guilty of Harassment of a Public Servant.

Wiggins elected to have the jury determine his punishment. During the punishment phase of trial, the jury heard evidence that Wiggins had a history of attempting to hurt and spit on police officers. They also learned that Wiggins had previously been sentenced to prison for Assault on a Public Servant. That prior prison sentence enhanced Wiggin’s punishment range to that of a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in TDCJ.

On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, the jury sentenced Wiggins to 10 years in the TDCJ and a $7,000 fine.

Cases like this demonstrate the risks law enforcement officers face while carrying out their duties and serving the community. We commend the Amarillo Police Department officers involved in this case for their professionalism and commitment to public safety. We are grateful for their service and for the willingness of these officers to testify and provide evidence throughout the judicial process. Our office remains committed to supporting law enforcement and holding individuals accountable when officers are assaulted or subjected to criminal conduct while performing their duties.

09/24/2026

JUDGE ESTEVEZ SENTENCES FORMER TEACHER TO MAXIMUM SENTENCE
ON TWO COUNTS OF INDECENCY WITH A CHILD

On Monday, September 21, Patrick Kenneth Farmer was set to begin a jury trial on two separate counts of Indecency with a Child involving offenses that occurred in Randall County in 2000 and 2003. Instead of proceeding to a jury trial, Patrick Farmer pleaded guilty to the Court and asked the Honorable Ana Estevez, Judge of the 251st District Court, to determine his punishment.

Judge Estevez heard testimony from the two courageous victims named in the current indictments, as well as two additional victims who came forward to testify about their victimization by Farmer. Farmer also testified on his own behalf and, during cross-examination, acknowledged that there were additional victims.

The Court heard evidence that, between 1990 and 2005, Farmer taught at several elementary schools, volunteered as a coach for girls’ sports, and worked in church nurseries and youth programs. The evidence presented showed that he used these positions of trust and access to sexually abuse young girls. At least eight victims in the Amarillo area have been identified in connection with Farmer.

On Tuesday, September 22, Judge Estevez sentenced Farmer to 20 years in prison on each of the two charges—the maximum sentence allowed by law. Judge Estevez also ordered the sentences to run consecutively, meaning Farmer must complete the first 20-year sentence before the second 20-year sentence begins. Under Texas law, Farmer must serve one-half of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole consideration. Parole eligibility does not mean that parole will be granted.

This is not the first time Farmer faced criminal charges for sexually abusing a child. In 2006, Farmer pleaded guilty to Indecency with a Child charges involving three of the victims referenced above and received probation.

The offenses resulting in the current charges occurred before his previous plea, but were not reported until 2023 and 2024. Following these additional outcries, the Randall County District Attorney’s Office was able to pursue additional charges against Farmer and hold him accountable for these offenses. Farmer also has an additional charge pending in Potter County arising from a recent outcry involving the same general time period.

We are thankful for the courage of the victims who came forward and for the dedication and perseverance of the detectives with the Amarillo Police Department who have continued working on this case for more than 20 years. We are grateful to be part of a community committed to pursuing justice.

09/18/2026

JOHN JACOB WILSON CONVICTED OF CONTINUOUS SEXUAL ABUSE BY JURY

SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON BY RANDALL COUNTY DISTRICT JUDGE

On September 17, 2026, after a 31-minute deliberation, a Randall County jury found John Jacob Wilson guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child.

Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child is a first-degree felony in Texas, carrying a special punishment range of 25 years to life in prison, with no parole eligibility.

The charges stemmed from an outcry in 2022, when the victim bravely disclosed to a school counselor that she had been sexually abused by Wilson. The school counselor immediately reported the disclosure, and the Amarillo Police Department’s Special Victims Unit conducted the investigation. The victim and her siblings were interviewed at The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center.

During the trial, the victim testified about the abuse she suffered and the profound changes in her life after she disclosed the abuse and sought help. The jury also heard evidence that the victim’s mother was aware of the abuse, failed to report it, instructed the victim not to tell anyone, and ultimately kicked the victim out of the home after the victim sought help. (Charges on the mother were accepted by the District Attorney’s Office but were ultimately declined by the Grand Jury.)

On the third day of trial, the jury returned a guilty verdict. Wilson elected to have the judge determine his punishment. Following a brief punishment hearing, Judge Dee Johnson of the 47th District Court sentenced John Wilson to LIFE in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

This case was originally tried in 2025. During that trial, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict during the guilt phase, resulting in a hung jury. After ensuring that the victim agreed to proceed with another trial, the Randall County District Attorney’s Office determined that the case should be retried. The Randall County District Attorney’s Office is grateful to the victim for her courage and perseverance throughout this process and is thankful that justice was ultimately served.

The successful prosecution of this case was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the staff of Canyon ISD schools, the Amarillo Police Department, The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center, the S.A.N.E. nursing program, and the Investigators and Prosecutors of the Randall County District Attorney’s Office.

The Randall County District Attorney’s Office extends its appreciation to everyone who worked to investigate, prosecute, and support the victim throughout this case.

08/10/2026

MARIAM ABDELHAMID GIVEN MAXIMUM SENTENCE FOR INJURY TO A CHILD

On Wednesday, August 5th, a Randall County Jury found Mariam Nabil Abdelhamid guilty of Injury to a Child with the Intent to Cause Bodily Injury. The jury sentenced Abdelhamid to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and a $10,000 fine – the maximum sentence allowed by law.

Injury to a Child with the Intent to Cause Bodily Injury is a third-degree felony, which carries a punishment range of 2 to10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

In March of 2025, the defendant took her 2-year-old child to daycare with a hand-shaped bruise on his face. When confronted by staff, Abdelhamid claimed the injury was from the toddler falling down a flight of concrete stairs. Noticeably, the child had no other bruising, bumps, or scrapes anywhere else on his body – only the distinct outline of a hand on the left side of his face. After reviewing photographic evidence and hearing powerful testimony from the daycare owner, local law enforcement, and a child abuse pediatric doctor, the jury rejected the defendant’s story and found her guilty.

After returning a guilty verdict, the trial moved into the punishment phase. Prior to the commencement of the trial, the defendant elected the jury to assess her punishment. During the punishment phase of trial, the jury heard testimony from the child’s father, who strongly advocated for the jury to give Abdelhamid probation so the child could to be returned to her, stating he had never seen her be abusive towards the child before. However, on cross-examination, the father admitted that he himself had been a victim of the defendant's extreme violence, testifying that she had previously strangled him and stabbed him multiple times with a knife. The Randall County District Attorney’s Office vehemently argued against allowing this dangerous woman back into society. Thankfully, the jury went against the father’s wishes and issued the maximum prison sentence allowed.

This conviction reflects the vital importance of ordinary citizens reporting suspicious behavior when they see it. The child’s daycare could have taken the defendant’s word and chosen not to raise alarms. Because of their dedication in reporting the injuries, we were able to remove a child abuser and violent person from the streets of Randall County.

07/15/2026

DRUNK DRIVER SENTENCED TO LIFE

On July 14, 2026, Raymundo Ayala was convicted of Driving While Intoxicated (3rd or more). In Texas, a third or subsequent DWI offense is generally a third-degree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

This case stems from a traffic stop on August 9, 2025, after a Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper observed Raymundo Ayala commit multiple traffic violations. During the stop, the trooper recognized signs of intoxication and ultimately arrested Ayala for Driving While Intoxicated (3rd or more).

During the guilt-innocence phase of trial, the State Trooper testified about his observations and explained how the traffic stop developed into a DWI investigation. The trooper also told the jury that he obtained a search warrant to collect a blood specimen from Ayala. A forensic toxicologist later determined that Ayala had a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.213 – more two and a half times the legal limit of .08. Additionally, the jury heard evidence of Ayala’s two prior DWI convictions, which elevated the offense to a felony. After considering the evidence, the jury quickly returned a guilty verdict.

During the punishment phase, the jury learned that Ayala had 11 prior DWI convictions and had previously been sentenced to prison on six of those offenses. Because of Ayala’s extensive felony history, he was found to be a habitual offender, increasing his punishment to a range of 25 years to life in prison.

Ayala testified during the punishment phase and claimed he had accumulated so many DWI convictions because he was “unlucky.” After hearing all the evidence and arguments, the jury returned a verdict of LIFE in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

This was the first time Ayala had been arrested for a DWI in Randall County, and our office was committed to ensuring it would be the last. Ayala was “lucky” that his repeated decisions to drive while intoxicated did not result in the loss of innocent lives. Driving While Intoxicated continues to endanger our community, and this sentence sends a clear message: those who repeatedly choose to drink and drive will be held accountable.

If you drink, do not drive. Use a sober ride. Lives depend on it.

06/05/2026

JURY CONVICTS DANIEL MIRELES, JR OF MURDER;
MIRELES SENTENCED TO 55 YEARS IN PRISON

On June 4, 2026, following a four-day jury trial, DANIEL ARTHUR MIRELES, JR. was found GUILTY of MURDER and sentenced to 55 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. In Texas, Murder is a First-Degree Felony and has a punishment range of 5 to 99 years or LIFE in Prison, and a potential fine of up to $10,000.

This offense occurred on October 1, 2023, after Mireles traveled to the former marital residence he had once shared with his estranged wife. Although Mireles had moved out of the home in June 2023, testimony showed that he became upset by his estranged wife's efforts to move forward with her life. Shortly after 6:00 a.m., Mireles armed himself with a handgun and entered the residence using the door code he still knew. Upon seeing the fi***rm, his estranged wife immediately begged him to leave. Instead, Mireles confronted her guest and co-worker, Orlando Garces, and shot him three times. One of the bullets struck Garces in the heart. Despite the efforts of first responders, Garces died at the scene.

Following the shooting, Mireles claimed he had the right to kill Garces because Garces was present in the home that Mireles and his estranged wife had purchased during their marriage.

Mireles was taken into custody and interviewed by detectives with the Amarillo Police Department. During that interview, Mireles asserted for the first time that Garces had "rushed" him, leaving him with no choice but to shoot.

At trial, Mireles expanded upon that claim, testifying that Garces had one slightly raised arm that could have contained something capable of harming Mireles. Mireles raised the issue of self-defense, claiming that he feared Garces and that Garces moved in his direction. After hearing all the evidence, the jury rejected Mireles's self-defense claim and found him guilty of Murder.

During the punishment phase of trial, Mireles asked the jury to find that he acted under the immediate influence of sudden passion arising from an adequate cause. Had the jury made such a finding, the punishment range would have been reduced to that of a Second-Degree Felony, carrying a range of 2 to 20 years in prison. The jury rejected Mireles's sudden passion claim and assessed punishment at 55 years in prison.

This conviction reflects the jury's careful consideration of the evidence and its determination that Mireles intentionally and unlawfully took the life of Orlando Garces. The District Attorney's Office extends its gratitude to the Amarillo Police Department, first responders, jurors, and all those who worked diligently to seek justice for Orlando Garces and his loved ones.

We also recognize the hard work and dedication of the Assistant District Attorneys, Investigators, Victim Advocates, and Discovery Compliance Unit of the Randall County District Attorney’s Office for their tireless efforts and contributions to the success of this case.

Orlando leaves behind his three children as well as his wife, siblings, parents, and an extended family who loved him deeply and will continue to mourn his loss. With the family’s permission, we are sharing Orlando’s name and photograph. May he rest in peace.

04/21/2026

Heroes & Legends 2026 recap 🌟

Congratulations to Randall County District Attorney Robert Love, recipient of the 2026 Bridge Builder Award.

We are proud to honor his dedication to protecting children and serving families across the Texas Panhandle. His impact truly makes a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Randall County District Attorney

10/19/2026

10/02/2026

09/27/2026

09/25/2026

09/24/2026

09/18/2026

08/10/2026

07/15/2026

06/05/2026

04/21/2026

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