A Texas jury has sentenced 21-year-old Benjamin Elliot to 15 years in prison after rejecting his claim that he was sleepwalking when he fatally stabbed his twin sister, Meghan Elliot, in their family home in Katy. The sentencing follows a trial that captivated public attention due to Elliot’s unusual defense and the tragic circumstances surrounding the crime.

On September 29, 2021, then-17-year-old Benjamin Elliot called 911 to report that he had stabbed his sister in the neck while he believed he was dreaming. He later claimed to have woken up only to find himself standing over Meghan’s bleeding body. Elliot removed the knife from her wound and attempted CPR before authorities arrived, but it was too late—Meghan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Trial and Defense Claims

During the trial, Elliot’s defense team maintained that he had been sleepwalking during the attack, suffering from a rare disorder known as parasomnia. They brought in medical experts, including neurologist Dr. Jerald Simmons, to testify that such an event was possible. Elliot’s great-aunt and older sister also spoke about a family history of parasomnia, reinforcing the argument that he may have acted unconsciously.

However, prosecutors dismantled the sleepwalking defense by presenting digital evidence from Elliot’s phone. According to their findings, he had been using his phone shortly before the attack, and his device remained locked for at least 20 minutes after Meghan was stabbed before he called 911. The data also tracked his movement to and from his sister’s bedroom, contradicting claims of unconscious behavior.

The Jury’s Decision

After nearly five hours of deliberation, the jury found Elliot guilty of first-degree murder. In Texas, a murder conviction carries a sentence ranging from five to 99 years. The prosecution sought a minimum of 40 years, citing the brutal nature of the crime and what they argued was premeditation—pointing out that Elliot had used a survival knife he had obtained the night before.

The defense, on the other hand, pleaded for leniency, arguing that Elliot had no criminal history, had been compliant while out on bond, and deeply regretted his actions. Ultimately, Judge Danilo Lacayo sentenced him to 15 years, acknowledging the jury’s request for leniency. Elliot will be eligible for parole after serving seven and a half years.

A Family Torn Apart

Throughout the trial, the courtroom was filled with raw emotion. Elliot’s parents testified in his defense, with his mother, Kathy, breaking down as she recounted the moment she learned of Meghan’s death. Elliot’s father, Michael, also revealed his son had been fascinated with the knife he used in the attack, which prosecutors argued demonstrated intent.

Despite the guilty verdict, Elliot’s defense attorney, Wes Rucker, expressed some relief at the relatively short sentence. “We are very happy with the sentence. We think it reflects what the judge thought was a weakness in the State’s case,” Rucker told ABC13.

The Aftermath

The case has left lasting scars on the Elliot family, who lost one child to tragedy and another to the justice system. Photos from happier times, shown during the trial, depicted Benjamin and Meghan as inseparable siblings who shared a deep bond.

As Elliot begins his prison sentence, legal analysts and the public continue to debate whether justice was truly served. The case has also sparked renewed discussions about the legitimacy of sleepwalking as a legal defense and the complexities surrounding mental health in criminal trials.

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