2 women handed prison terms in 2016 fatal home invasion

Betty Rojas, Gabriella Brightman plead guilty to lesser charge

SAN ANTONIO – Two women who originally faced capital murder charges for their role in a deadly home invasion that left one man dead were sentenced Wednesday on a lesser charge.

As part of a plea deal, Betty Rojas, who was 16 years old at the time of the incident, and Gabriella Brightman pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery charges.

Rojas, who prosecutors said set up a robbery scheme to steal marijuana from a man who lived in an apartment on TPC Parkway, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Brightman was sentenced to 14 years.

Before she was sentenced, Brightman addressed the family of Milton Miles, who was shot to death in the home invasion.

"I'm sorry that y'all lost someone very special," she said. "I know it's hard. I'm sorry."

Four men stormed the apartment on Oct. 10, 2016, and opened fire.

Miles, 37, who was visiting the apartment resident, was shot and killed.

Earlier this year, three men were found guilty of murder. 

Jai Lynn Arnold, 20, was sentenced to 45 years in prison; Ethan Yoast, 21, was sentenced to 32 years in prison. Trial testimony revealed that Arnold and Yoast opened fire. 

Jason Marino, 21, was armed and pistol-whipped a victim, according to trial testimony. Marino was sentenced to 30 years in prison. 

Jamar Harrison McNeil, 25, was a lookout during the shooting. He was sentenced to 12 years for aggravated robbery.


About the Author:

Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role.