William Aguilar received a 45-year sentence for fatally shooting his friend, Carlos Perez, at an AutoZone store in an “unprovoked” attack.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to murdering his friend during a shooting at an AutoZone store last December.
On Nov. 3, 2025, William Aguilar pleaded guilty to murder as part of a plea agreement and was sentenced by Judge Phil Grant in the 9th District Court.
Investigators say the shooting happened on Dec. 21, 2024, at an AutoZone in Montgomery County. The victim, 19-year-old Carlos Perez, was working at the store when Aguilar, his friend, walked in and opened fire in what authorities called an unprovoked act of violence.
Deputies with the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office responded within minutes, quickly identifying Aguilar as the shooter and taking him into custody shortly after.
Investigators found no apparent motive for why Aguilar targeted his friend, leaving Perez’s family and the community struggling to understand the tragedy.
“Some cases simply defy understanding. A young man lost his life at the hands of someone he trusted, and no one will ever truly know why. No sentence can make sense of such a senseless act, but we will continue to stand with Carlos Perez’s family as they search for peace in the wake of this tragedy,” District Attorney Michael Holley said in a news release.
Aguilar will be eligible for parole after serving half of his 45-year sentence.
Who was Carlos Perez?
It was a night filled with songs, prayers and candles.
“A loving person. Kind, generous. Even when I came and visited him he was like ‘Coach let me help you.’ Just a great young man he is still going to be missed,” said Christian Cephus, Perez’s junior high coach, said at a vigil held after the shooting.
“It’s just not fair. It’s just not fair that’s the best way to put it. You can’t make sense of it,” said David, Perez’s guitar teacher.
Those who knew Perez best said he was an entrepreneur who loved playing for church and touched many lives.
“He was always kind and loving. Thankful God allowed me to be with him,” said one of his friends, Jake Osterman.
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