HOUSTON, TEXAS: Anna Machado, the mother of 16-year-old Diamond Alvarez who was killed in January 2022, started a brawl between her family and that of her daughter's killer after calling the murderer a "monster" in court.
On October 17, Frank DeLeon Jr, 20, pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing his girlfriend 22 times as she walked the family dog.
Anna Machado spoke during Frank DeLeon Jr's hearing
During the hearing, Machado left the witness stand and started to head toward DeLeon after her speech.
She was restrained by a bailiff, but Alvarez's uncle charged at the killer sparking the fight, according to the Daily Mail.
Machado later reportedly told the local media, "He's a monster in my eyes. That would never change. Did he look remorseful at all? No. He was laughing at my face. (Like) it's a joke. A life is not a joke. My daughter's not a joke."
However, she apologized for sparking the brawl and admitted it was "wrong."
Speaking with KHOU, Machado said, "I've been fighting for justice, and today, finally, my daughter has her justice. Our lives have stopped since that night. We're like walking zombies. He got what he deserves and I'm going to focus on my family, and Diamond has her justice, and I just want to move forward."
Alvarez's uncle was taken into custody after the fight. It is not known whether he will be facing any charges.
Footage of the court brawl
Video recorded through the courtroom window by KHOU showed the uncle charging at the killer as three bailiffs and others present tried to stop the fight.
One court security officer pulled a taser and had it pointed at him, though it is unclear if it was used.
DeLeon was pulled away by a bailiff as the judge quickly retreated from the courtroom. Simultaneously, DeLeon's mother started a fight with Machado.
After court security took the uncle to the ground, another woman ran up from the gallery towards him, which ignited a new fight. The entire incident lasted for about a minute.
Deputies from other courtrooms were forced to respond to the intense scuffle, which resulted in an accused domestic abuser, Michael Devon Combs, 32, escaping. He has not been captured as of the evening of October 17.
DeLeon, who was supposed to face trial, accepted a plea deal in court. He is scheduled to be sentenced to 45 years in prison.
