Dallas Jury Sentences Michael Nevarez for 1997 Murder
The sentencing follows the 2023 exoneration of Martin Santillan, who served 25 years for the crime.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Criminal Justice
A jury has sentenced Michael Nevarez to 21 years in prison for the 1997 murder of Damond Wittman. The case was resolved after a reinvestigation led to the exoneration of Martin Santillan, who had been wrongly imprisoned for the shooting for 25 years.
Why it matters
The case highlights the impact of the Conviction Integrity Unit, which reopened the investigation in 2021 to ensure the actual perpetrator was held accountable. This outcome marks a significant shift after DNA evidence surfaced that ultimately cleared Santillan.
Michael Nevarez pleaded guilty to the murder, receiving a 21-year sentence for the crime he committed at age 16. This follows the 2023 exoneration of Martin Santillan, who had been convicted in 1998.
The players
Michael Nevarez
He was 16 years old at the time of the shooting and pleaded guilty to the 1997 murder of Damond Wittman.
Martin Santillan
He was convicted in 1998 and spent 25 years in prison before being exonerated in 2023.
Damond Wittman
He was the victim of the 1997 shooting in Dallas who was 21 years old at the time of his death.
Conviction Integrity Unit
This agency reopened the investigation in 2021 and facilitated new DNA testing that led to the resolution of the case.
Dallas Police Department
The department partnered with Colorado Springs investigators to re-examine evidence from the decades-old murder case.
The details
The investigation was reopened in 2021, with local authorities partnering with the Colorado Springs Police Department to re-examine evidence. Advanced DNA testing on a jersey discovered at the Deep Ellum crime scene helped identify the true perpetrator.
Timeline
July 14, 1997: Damond Wittman was shot and killed in Deep Ellum.
1998: Martin Santillan was convicted of the murder.
2021: The district attorney reopened the investigation.
March 2023: The court officially recognized Martin Santillan's innocence.
October 2026: Michael Nevarez was sentenced for the murder.
Legal Context
This sentencing follows the 2023 exoneration of Martin Santillan, which fundamentally altered the trajectory of this decades-old case. It reflects a broader trend of Conviction Integrity Units utilizing modern forensics to correct historical miscarriages of justice.
The resolution of this case provides clarity for the local community regarding the 1997 shooting in Deep Ellum. Residents may find the successful use of modern DNA technology in cold cases provides renewed confidence in the local justice system.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the critical importance of re-evaluating historical evidence through modern scientific advancements. It serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact that wrongful convictions have on both the individuals involved and the community.
Further reading
Learn more about local legal proceedings in the Criminal Justice section.
