AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin man has been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for killing his wife in October 2021.
Jury selection in the trial of James Marcus Neves, 57, began on Feb. 26, and testimony began the following day. On March 1, the jury deliberated and found Neves guilty of murder. On March 5, he was sentenced to 36 years in prison.
On Oct. 26, 2021, the Austin Police Department (APD) received a 911 call from Neves. He told APD that he had shot his wife, 41-year-old Vanessa Alessandra Neves, during a domestic dispute at their home.
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When officers and medics responded to the home on Spicewood Parkway in West Austin, they located Vanessa Neves. Life-saving measures were performed, but she was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.
James Neves was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. On Dec. 21, 2021, he was indicted for murder.
"Our office is grateful to our dedicated staff and law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to hold the defendant accountable and seek justice for the victim’s family," Travis County District Attorney José Garza said following the jury's decision. "We hope this verdict bring closure and peace to the victim’s family."
