Lashaun Casey, Murder, Puerto Rico 2005

Lashaun Casey, 32, Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murdering Undercover Police Officer

San Juan, PR – In a shocking turn of events, Lashaun Casey, 32, has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of undercover Puerto Rico police officer Jesús Lizardi-Espada on August 1, 2005, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.

The heinous crime occurred during an undercover drug transaction, with Casey being convicted of three counts of carjacking, using a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. These offenses also took place on August 1, 2005.

Casey’s conviction on capital murder charges necessitated a separate penalty phase of the trial. The phase began on Monday, April 8. Today, the jury announced it was unable to reach a unanimous sentencing verdict. As a result, a sentence of life in prison will be imposed. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Mr. Casey committed a brutal act of violence against a police officer,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Today, a Puerto Rico jury emphatically rejected his behavior and brought him to justice. We cannot, and we will not, slow down in our efforts to hold violent criminals like Casey accountable for their crimes.”

The case was investigated by the FBI and Puerto Rico Police Department, with the collaboration of Instituto de Ciencias Forenses and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, and prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel, Assistant United States Attorney Scott Anderson and Assistant United States Attorney Mariana Bauzà.

Lashaun Casey will begin serving his life sentence immediately, with no possibility of parole in the federal system. The people of Puerto Rico can rest a little easier knowing that justice has been served in this heinous case.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant’s Full Name: Lashaun Casey

Criminal Charges: Murder, three counts of carjacking, using a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm

City and State: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Exact Date: August 1, 2005

Sentence or Outcome: Life in prison with no possibility of parole

Defendant’s Age: 32

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