Georgetown man gets life in prison for murder
Georgetown man Ricardo Quinones, 39, pled guilty on Thursday to the shooting death of his wife, Lindsey Whitman, 31.
Mr. Quinones will serve life in prison, according to the district attorney’s office. He was originally indicted by a grand jury on the charge of capital murder. Prosecutors were prepared for trial, scheduled to begin on June 24. However, Mr. Quinones offered to plead to the maximum sentence for murder. After consulting with Ms. Whitman’s family, prosecutors agreed to accept the plea.
The crime occurred on December 27, 2022, less than two weeks after Ms. Whitman filed for divorce, according to a news release from the District Attorney’s office. At the time of the shooting, Ms. Whitman was living with the couple’s young daughter in a home in Georgetown. Mr. Quinones lived elsewhere.
According to police, on December 27, Mr. Quinones allegedly disguised himself in a black ski mask and snuck into Ms. Whitman’s home with a firearm. He took her hostage, handcuffed her and threatened her with a knife and gun. The daughter, who was present at the house, was able to call 911.
As Georgetown Police officers arrived at the scene, Ms. Whitman’s daughter was able to escape through her bedroom window. According to officers, after they heard gunshots from inside the home, they forced entry and discovered Ms. Whitman dead in her bedroom.
She had been handcuffed and shot twice in the head through a pillow placed over her face, the DA’s office said. Mr. Quinones fled the scene and several hours later was apprehended in Columbus, Texas, by an Austin County Sheriff’s Office task force. The Texas Rangers also helped in the investigation.
Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick expressed his gratitude for prosecutor Assistant District Attorney John McMillin, Georgetown Police Detective Welborn and GPD.
“We are pleased that Mr. Quinones has been brought to justice,” he stated. “This guilty plea ensures he will be held accountable for his horrific actions and can no longer threaten the safety of our community. This case is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact domestic violence can have on families. Our deepest condolences go out to Ms. Whitman’s loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”