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DeSoto County teen sentenced to life in prison for killing 17-year-old at fair
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A teenager has been sentenced for shooting and killing another teenager at the DeSoto County Fair.
Ryan Watson Jr. was sentenced to life in prison for murdering 17-year-old Daniel Rodriguez Lopez in 2023.
Watson Jr. was found guilty in December of second-degree murder with a firearm and carrying a concealed firearm.
Watson’s defense attorney released a statement saying:
“We are going to appeal. The 20-year sentence runs consecutively to the life sentence for the second-degree murder conviction. We believe that this consecutive sentence is inappropriate since it could affect his efforts for early termination at the end of 25 years as permitted by statute.”
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Watson Jr. was 15 years old at the time of the shooting, and documents show he was tried as an adult.
After the shooting, WINK News spoke with Lopez’s family.
“We’re always laughing, having a good time, and smiling,” said Pedro Castro, the victim’s dad. “It’s never a dull moment with us, especially with Daniel around. He’s always putting a smile on people’s faces. It’s just a spark. Now, it’s much harder.”
“He’s not here,” said Stephanie Castro, Lopez’s mom. “That’s going to be very different. My life has changed. My kids’ lives have changed. I’m sure anyone who’s met my son, their life will be changed.”
“I’m happy with the verdict I’m thankful for the community for helping my family I really hope that Ryan Watson Jr will never be let out to hurt another person and that one day he understands that what he has done is not OK.
Life will never be the same without my son Danny.” Stephanie Castro
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office added additional security measures for the fair in 2024.
The extra security included a mobile command center with 360-degree cameras and multiple screens for monitoring surveillance video to help people feel safe when returning to the fair.
Watson received a life sentence for second-degree murder with a firearm and 20.83 years consecutive count for carrying a concealed firearm.