A Dallas man has been sentenced to life in prison for the savage killing of a stranger in December 2023.
On December 7, 2023, 23-year-old Carlos Estrada, an illegal alien, fatally attacked a homeless man in Dallas using an axe. The victim, who was texting on his phone at the time, had no warning before Estrada struck him repeatedly. An eyewitness who was present at the scene attempted to intervene but ultimately had to flee in fear for their life.
Following the attack, Estrada carried the victim’s body into a trailer parked in the driveway, wrapped it, and left the body along with the murder weapon inside. The defendant then fled the scene. The eyewitness immediately contacted police and provided critical information that led to Estrada’s identification and arrest.
Estrada was apprehended nearly 24 hours later at his aunt’s home in Balch Springs. Police collected shoes containing the victim’s blood, and DNA evidence linked Estrada to the axe.
Investigators discovered markings associated with the 18th Street Gang at the crime scene and confirmed Estrada’s gang affiliation during the investigation. His aggressive and intimidating behavior in the neighborhood, combined with his gang ties, were highlighted during the trial.
During the punishment phase, it was revealed that Estrada and his family attempted to influence the judge through rituals involving Santa Muerte, but the effort did not affect the outcome.
On August 11, 2025, Estrada was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. The victim’s family expressed relief and gratitude at the verdict, which brought closure after the horrific attack.
The case was prosecuted by Lead ADA Nadin-Sarah Salkic, with assistance from Emily Antram, investigator John Valdez, and paralegal Patzy Butler. The Dallas Police Department, led by Det. Adam Thayer, conducted the investigation, with additional support from Irving Gang Detective Mayo Loza.
