A Texas man was acquitted of shooting an escort who refused sex. Ezekiel Gilbert was accused of killing Lenora Ivie Frago. A jury found Gilbert not guilty on Wednesday.
Certain details of the interaction were never in question. Gilbert’s attorneys admit that he responded to a Craigslist ad posted by Frago. The ad advertised escort services.
Technically, escorts are in the business of providing clients with companionship. However, some escorts also provide their clients with sexual services. This has lead to the assumption that “escort” is simply a more politically correct term for a prostitute .
Gilbert and his attorneys contend that Frago did in fact promise sexual services in exchange for $150. The defendant admitted giving Frago the agreed amount.
As reported by My San Antonio , Gilbert became suspicious when Frago refused his advances and said she had to leave. When he asked for his money back, she refused to return it.
Gilbert admitted shooting Frago in an attempt to retrieve his money. Despite his admissions, he was acquitted of shooting the escort. The defense argued that Gilbert did not intend to kill Frago. Additionally, they relied heavily on Texas law, which allows the use of force in specific situations.
As stated at Law.Onecle.com , Texas Penal Code Section 9.42 allows the use of “deadly force against another … to prevent the other who is fleeing immediately after committing … theft during the nighttime from escaping with the property.”
Essentially, Gilbert’s defense argued that he shot Frago in an attempt to stop her from fleeing with his money, which she stole from him using false pretenses.
As reported by Opposing Views , if convicted, Gilbert faced life in prison for causing Frago’s death. The Texas jury heard both sides of the case and made a unanimous decision. Gilbert was acquitted of shooting the escort.
Gilbert maintains that he never intended to kill Frago and has suffered with guilt over the shooting.