Texas Man Sentenced to 35 Years After Road Rage Shooting Killed Mother of Four on Interstate 35
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — A Texas man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after admitting to fatally shooting a mother of four in the head during a road rage confrontation — sending her vehicle flying into a ditch as she drove along Interstate 35.
According to court records, Nicholas Hernandez, 25, entered a guilty plea in state district court and received the maximum sentence allowed under his plea agreement for the November 2024 killing of Julie Marie Butcher, 31.
The sentencing was announced Friday by the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.
Deadly Confrontation on Interstate 35
Investigators say the shooting occurred on the night of November 8, 2024, as Butcher was driving on Interstate 35 in San Antonio.
According to the arrest affidavit, Hernandez became involved in a heated road rage dispute with Butcher for reasons that remain unclear. During the confrontation, Hernandez fired a gun into her vehicle, striking her in the head.
Butcher lost control of her car, which crashed into a ditch along the interstate. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Suspect Bragged About Shooting, Friends Alerted Police
Authorities say Hernandez did not keep the shooting secret after it happened.
At least four witnesses later came forward and told investigators they had spoken with Hernandez about the killing or items related to it.
According to police:
- One witness said Hernandez asked him to dispose of two 9mm shell casings
- Another provided text messages in which Hernandez discussed the shooting
- Hernandez later attempted to distance himself by reporting his Beretta 9mm handgun as stolen — roughly 15 hours after the murder
Investigators determined the same model firearm was used in Butcher’s killing.
Guilty Plea Brings Maximum Sentence
Hernandez pleaded guilty last week and was formally sentenced Friday to 35 years in prison — the maximum penalty permitted under the negotiated plea.
“Julie’s life was tragically taken,” Joe Gonzales said in a statement. “We hope her loved ones can take some measure of solace in the sentence imposed today.”
Family Remembers Dedicated Mother and Wife
Butcher was a wife, mother, and business manager, described by loved ones as deeply devoted to her family. She worked as a general manager at a Papa John’s in New Braunfels.
She is survived by her husband, Michael Butcher, and their four children — Hailey, Jaxson, Michael, and Kenneth.
Following Hernandez’s arrest, the family released a statement expressing gratitude for the progress in the case.
“While the pain of her loss is still with us, we take comfort in the dedication of law enforcement and the overwhelming support from our community,” the family said.
A GoFundMe organized by her father, David Delgado, described Butcher as a “beloved wife, mother, daughter, and friend,” noting the devastating impact her death has had on her children.
Road Rage Violence Under Scrutiny
Prosecutors say the case underscores how quickly everyday driving conflicts can escalate into deadly violence.
Hernandez will serve his sentence in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system.
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