A teenager involved in a fatal stabbing incident at a school was found not guilty of murder by a jury. The case centered around Caysen Allison, 21, who admitted to killing 18-year-old Jose Luis Ramirez Jr. during a confrontation at Belton High School on May 3, 2022.
In court, Allison’s defense attorney, Zachary Boyd, argued that his client acted in self-defense as he was forced into a fight with Ramirez and his friends. The jury appeared to agree with this defense, as they chose the least serious charge available—criminally negligent homicide—when making their decision. They deliberated for 12 hours before reaching their verdict.
Allison is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on June 19, where he faces a possible sentence of 6 months to 2 years in a state jail, along with a fine of up to $10,000. Until then, he will remain free on bond.
During the trial, jurors watched a video recorded by one of Ramirez’s friends, capturing the fight. The footage showed Ramirez throwing a punch at Allison, who then retaliated with a knife. The video concluded with Allison cornering Ramirez before other teenagers left the bathroom.
Security footage later revealed Ramirez exiting the bathroom and collapsing in a hallway, where he was found with a pool of blood beneath him. Despite immediate help from a school nurse, Ramirez was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital, with an autopsy confirming multiple stab wounds.
Police arrested Allison the same day after he confessed to the crime and led detectives to the knife used in the incident. No comments were received from the local attorney’s office or Allison’s lawyer regarding the case.
