Woman Sentenced to 18 Years for Manslaughter
Viviana Lucinda Vallejo received an 18-year prison term for her role in a 2020 killing in Hillsboro.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Violence
The 27-year-old Viviana Lucinda Vallejo was sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter. Her sentencing follows a long-term investigation into the death of Alexis Vega-Cruz.
Why it matters
The sentencing marks a major step in the legal proceedings regarding the 2020 killing of Alexis Vega-Cruz, which was allegedly driven by a desire for revenge over an earlier assault.
Viviana Lucinda Vallejo received an 18-year prison sentence after pleading guilty on October 2, 2026. A first-degree assault charge against her was dismissed following the plea agreement.
The players
Viviana Lucinda Vallejo
She is a 27-year-old who pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for her role in the 2020 death of Alexis Vega-Cruz.
Alexis Vega-Cruz
He was found dead from gunshot wounds at the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve in November 2020.
Tyren Todd Thomas
He is facing charges of second-degree murder and witness tampering and is scheduled to stand trial in early 2027.
The details
Prosecutors stated that Tyren Todd Thomas convinced Vallejo to lure Alexis Vega-Cruz to the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, where the victim was ultimately shot. Police investigations into the incident were bolstered by a tip regarding the shooter's identity received in January 2023.
Timeline
November 4, 2020: The body of Alexis Vega-Cruz was found at the wetlands.
January 2023: Police received a key tip regarding the suspect identity.
October 2, 2026: Vallejo entered a guilty plea for manslaughter.
January 2027: Tyren Todd Thomas is scheduled to stand trial.
Legal Context
The case follows the patterns of complex homicide prosecutions in Washington County where multiple suspects are linked to a single act of violence. This sentencing resolves the case for one participant while the primary murder case against the second suspect remains pending.
The conclusion of this phase of the case provides a measure of closure for the community following the discovery of the victim at a public preserve. Authorities continue their preparations for the upcoming trial of the remaining defendant.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the legal consequences for individuals who participate in premeditated acts of luring or conspiracy. Legal experts note that guilty pleas in such complex murder investigations often prioritize securing cooperation for the trials of remaining co-defendants.
What happens next
Tyren Todd Thomas is scheduled to stand trial for charges including second-degree murder and firearm possession in January 2027.
Further reading
For more information on regional safety and ongoing investigations, visit Hillsboro Violence.
