In a Smith County court on Tuesday afternoon, January 9, 2024, Daniel Nyabuto, a 22-year-old resident of Grand Prairie originally from Kenya, was found guilty of intoxicated manslaughter. The charge stemmed from a December incident in which Nyabuto pleaded not guilty. The trial spanned eight days, with the jury released on Dec. 15 and reconvening on Jan. 9 for closing arguments and deliberations.
Prosecutors asserted that Nyabuto, driving under the influence, rear-ended a patrol unit, leading to the death of Smith County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Lorenzo Bustos. Deputy Bustos was completing his final night of training at the time of the tragic incident. Nyabuto, who maintained his innocence, has been sentenced to 32 years in prison. The jury took just under four hours to reach the decision.
The Smith County District Attorney’s Office announced that Nyabuto will be eligible for parole in 16 years.
