A Henderson County jury on Thursday afternoon found Manuel Lynn Tijerina, 42, guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child and sentenced him to Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The verdict was returned in the 392nd District Court, presided over by Judge R. Scott McKee.
The case, prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Jessica Bargmann and Christian Simpson, presented evidence that on July 15, 2021, the Eustace Police Department received a report from Child Protective Services. A 9-year-old child had made an outcry to her stepmother, alleging that her relative, Tijerina, had been touching her while she laid in bed with him.
During an interview by a trained forensic interviewer at Maggie's House Child Advocacy Center, the child detailed multiple instances of abuse by Tijerina. The jury also heard testimony from the child's older sibling, now 17, who stated that Tijerina made her uncomfortable, rubbed on her upper thighs multiple times, and made sexual comments. Both siblings also testified about the physical violence they witnessed Tijerina inflict on their mother.
Rebekah Large, a forensic interviewer from Maggie's House, testified about her interview with the victim. Meghan Creath, an expert Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, also testified for the State.
During the punishment phase, the jury heard from the victim's stepmother about the profound impact the sexual abuse has had on the victim. Evidence of a previous protective order issued against Tijerina involving another woman was also presented.
Henderson County District Attorney Jenny Palmer lauded the bravery of the victims. "I am so incredibly proud of the children who were brave enough to come into court, face their abuser, and tell a courtroom full of people about the abuse they suffered," Palmer stated. "The victim had an amazing support system. Her father and stepmother, along with our office, and BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) were all there to see the defendant receive the toughest punishment for this crime—life imprisonment with no possibility of parole. Henderson County is blessed to have a team of child abuse professionals here to protect our children and make sure they receive the justice they deserve."
