Alleged Texas Serial Killer Raul Meza Jr. Faces Life Behind Bars After Failed Plea Deal

Raul Meza Jr., a convicted murderer previously linked to 10 homicides in Texas, faces life imprisonment after his plea deal for two additional murders was rejected by a judge. The plea deal would have offered Meza a chance for parole in 40 years, but it was met with strong opposition.

Raul Meza Jr., 63, made an appearance in a Travis County courtroom on Tuesday, August 27, to discuss a plea agreement with Judge Julie Kocurek. The plea deal involved a potential life sentence for one murder and a 20-year sentence for another. Under the terms of the agreement, Meza would have been eligible for parole in 40 years, at the age of 103.

Meza's defense attorney, Russell Hunt, argued for the plea deal, stating that his client wished to end the ordeal not only for himself but for the entire community. However, Judge Kocurek rejected the defense's proposal, stating that she would only accept a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

Alleged Texas Serial Killer Raul Meza Jr. Faces Life Behind Bars After Failed Plea Deal

Upon hearing the denial, Meza allegedly glared at the prosecutor until Judge Kocurek asked him to refrain from such behavior. Tracy Page, the surviving sister of Kendra Page, whom Meza murdered in 1982, expressed relief at the decision, stating that she had wished for this outcome when her sister was killed.

Meza served only 11 of the 30 years to which he was sentenced for Kendra Page's murder before being released on parole. Hunt asserted that Meza had expressed remorse for his actions, but Page contested this claim.

Alleged Texas Serial Killer Raul Meza Jr. Faces Life Behind Bars After Failed Plea Deal

Meza is also facing charges for the murders of Gloria Lofton and Jesse Fraga, both of whom were killed in 2019 and 2023, respectively. Fraga, an 80-year-old former probation officer, had given Meza a place to stay prior to his death.

Authorities believe Meza may be linked to over 10 unsolved homicides in the Austin, Texas area. Meza's attorneys have indicated that they do not plan on going to trial for Lofton's or Fraga's murders but will continue to seek a plea agreement.

Alleged Texas Serial Killer Raul Meza Jr. Faces Life Behind Bars After Failed Plea Deal

Meza is scheduled to return to court on September 30 for a hearing with Judge Kocurek. Austin has seen a significant increase in its murder rate since 2019, with at least 5 bodies being discovered in Lady Bird Lake in the past year. The city has sought the public's assistance in another case involving a possible serial killer.