Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Kyvontre Elmore, 28, of Dallas, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the capital murder of Jose “Antonio” Acosta Galvan. Elmore was convicted by a jury based on surveillance footage, phone data, and incriminating Instagram videos he posted before and after the crime.
The Crime
On January 10, 2023, Antonio was in his truck outside his apartment, speaking on the phone with a coworker, when Elmore approached him. Attempting to carjack Antonio, Elmore opened fire after he resisted, shooting him multiple times. Elmore fled the scene in the stolen truck.
Witnesses immediately called 911 and provided descriptions of the suspect. Later that night, the truck was found abandoned and burned in Dallas.
The Investigation
Detective Michael Nealey of the Dallas Police Department led an extensive investigation:
- Surveillance footage from local businesses tracked Elmore’s movements from the burning truck to a parking lot where he purchased a scooter.
- Video evidence showed him riding the scooter before being picked up by a Lyft driver.
- The Lyft driver later confirmed dropping Elmore at his girlfriend’s apartment in McKinney.
Eight days after the murder, McKinney police arrested Elmore outside the apartment while he was riding the same scooter seen in the surveillance footage.
Further investigation linked Elmore to the murder weapon. Euless Police Officer Jarad Hawthorne recovered a firearm during an unrelated arrest two months later. Ballistics confirmed the gun was used in Antonio’s murder, according to April Kendrick, Firearms Supervisor at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Instagram Evidence
Elmore’s Instagram account provided pivotal evidence. Videos from the day of the murder showed him wearing clothing matching witness descriptions. In one post, recorded an hour before the murder, he displayed a gun resembling the murder weapon. Messages from that day revealed his attempt to trade the firearm after fleeing to McKinney.
The Verdict
Elmore was found guilty of Capital Murder, which in Texas mandates a life sentence without parole if the death penalty is not sought. Judge George Flint imposed the mandatory sentence.
“We are thankful for the outstanding work of the Dallas Police Department in piecing together this case. From surveillance footage to phone data and even Elmore’s own Instagram posts, the evidence left no doubt about his guilt,” said Willis. “This verdict delivers justice for Antonio and his family and permanently removes a cold-blooded killer from our streets.”
Prosecutors
Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Jamin Daly and Ashlyn Scott led the prosecution, supported by District Attorney Investigator Michael Bennett and Victim Assistance Coordinator Melissa White.
