Felipe Diaz Marin has been sentenced to 68 years in prison for the murder of his mother, Linda Marin, after a Harris County jury found him guilty. The jury chose that number because that’s how old Ms. Linda would’ve been if she were still alive today.
The sentence comes nearly two years after the brutal October 31, 2024 attack inside their home in the 7500 block of Long Point .
In court, a jury heard how Diaz Marin intentionally stabbed her with a sharp object. Prosecutors also presented evidence that he stabbed Ernest P. Sander, a close family friend who survived the attack despite suffering life-threatening injuries.
While some early media reports referred to Sander as an uncle, court testimony revealed he was actually a longtime family friend. He became a key witness during the trial and described the horrifying attack in detail. Evidence presented in court showed he suffered severe injuries and was only moments away from death.
One of the most chilling details presented during testimony was that while Sander was being stabbed, he recalled hearing Diaz Marin laughing throughout the attack.
This was not the first warning sign.
Court records show Diaz Marin had a lengthy history of violence and prior convictions, including a 2008 felony conviction for Injury to his mom Linda. Records also show multiple prior incidents involving abuse toward his mother dating back to 2006, including violations of a protective order she had obtained against him.
In February 2024, police were called to the same residence for a terroristic threat. When officers arrived, they found only Diaz Marin and his mother at the home. He was acting erratically and was detained. While sitting in the back of a patrol vehicle, he allegedly yelled, “Linda, when I get out, I’m gonna f***in6 unalive you.”
Eight months later, he carried out that threat.
In addition to the murder conviction, Diaz Marin is also facing a separate charge of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon for the stabbing of Sander. He has court today for that charge.
The 68-year sentence ensures Diaz Marin will likely spend the majority of the rest of his life behind bars for the murder of his mother and the violent attack that almost took another life.
