Man Fatally Shot Friend 11 Times In Back During Sleepover, Claims Self-Defense

TEXAS – A man shot his friend eleven times during a sleepover and claimed it was self-defense, according to reports.

James Michael Sotelo, 21, was sentenced to serve 40 years in a state prison for killing his friend, Corey Thompson, after a jury found him guilty of one count of murder eight months ago, authorities announced.

In March 2021, Thompson was spending the night at Sotelo’s home.

Sotelo, then 18, picked up a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun and fired at Thompson at least 13 times as he was trying to sleep around 3 a.m.

An investigation revealed that Thompson was shot 11 times in his back. One shot missed him and went through Sotelo’s wall, hitting his brother in the face. His brother survived the shooting.

Sotelo was charged and convicted on an additional count of deadly conduct. He was sentenced to an additional two years.

Sotelo claimed that he wasn’t intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, and that he shot his Thompson because he had attacked him in his sleep.