A man from Louisiana, who had just moved to Canyon Lake, was sentenced to life in prison on Friday for the murder of his father.
The trial was presided over by Judge Bruce Boyer of the 22nd District Court.
Yakob Hickman, a 27-year-old employee at Fischer’s Neighborhood Market in Startzville, was responsible for the fatal shooting of his father, Paul Stautzenberger, who was 51 years old. The incident took place at a residence located in the 300 block of Campbell Drive.
“To be completely honest, I feel absolutely fantastic,” he exclaimed.
Jurors were able to listen to the tape, which was accompanied by testimony from deputies and a crime scene technician from the Comal County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
During recorded phone calls made from the county jail, Hickman claimed that he was engaged in a casual conversation with Stautzenberger. However, he expressed frustration with the victim, stating that he wouldn’t stop talking incessantly.
Less than a week after Hickman moved to the area from Louisiana, the murder took place. This relocation was recommended by his father.
After the sentencing, family members stepped forward and delivered heartfelt allocution statements. They expressed that Hickman had taken the life of the one person who had always believed in his potential for success.
The district attorney’s office emphasized the importance of Hickman’s sentence in ensuring the safety of the community.
Hickman asked his mother in a phone call from the jail, “The most crucial aspect is ensuring that if I do manage to get out of here, I won’t find myself in situations that would lead me to return.”
Jennifer Feldman and Henna Le Vasseur, assistant district attorneys, represented the State of Texas in prosecuting the case.
Donna Dishman and dog Gander from Canine Classmates were also acknowledged in the statement, although the specific reasons for their involvement in the case were not provided.