In a sobering reminder of the extreme consequences of domestic violence, De’Andre Wright, a man from Livingston, has been handed a 50-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to the murder of his girlfriend, Jasmine Muldoon. The 25-year-old mother, whose life was tragically cut short in May of 2024, was mourned as her body was discovered in a wooded area off US 59 just north of Livingston, following a report of her being missing the day prior, according to Click2Houston.
Wright entered his plea before the 411th Judicial District Court of Polk County on January 13, conceding to the lengthy incarceration after the state and his defense were unable to initially agree on a sentencing recommendation. As mentioned by the Polk County District Attorney’s Office and echoed in a KLTV report, the decision was made to spare the victim's family the emotional toll of a protracted trial. The 50-year sentence was agreed upon after the district attorney's office engaged in discussions with the family regarding the profound emotional toll an extended trial could have exerted on them.
The district attorney’s office has highlighted the tumultuous nature of Wright and Muldoon's relationship; Muldoon succumbed to a stab wound on May 5, 2024. This incident left her four children without their mother, a point underscored in a statement from the DA's office, emphasizing their stand that "domestic violence in a relationship is never ‘OK or ACCEPTABLE’ behavior" and offering a solemn call to action for those trapped in similar situations to seek assistance from local law enforcement agencies, as reported by KLTV.
Law enforcement was quick to respond to the initial report of Muldoon's disappearance, thanks in part to a tip from Wright's mother, who informed the sheriff’s office of a recent altercation between Muldoon and Wright and expressed concern for Muldoon's safety. A collaboration between the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety Rangers Division facilitated the search and eventual discovery of vital evidence, leading to the location of her body. The swift actions of these agencies were lauded by the district attorney’s office for their steadfast pursuit of justice for the community. The DA’s office has acknowledged in their statement that, without the dedicated response of these partners, the outcome of this case may have been different.
