Jury sentences man convicted of killing Smith County deputy to 32 years in prison

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - The jury for the trial of a Grand Prairie man convicted of killing a Smith County Sheriff’s deputy has decided his sentence.

Daniel Nyabuto will serve 32 years in prison. The jury took just under four hours to reach the decision. o reach the decision.

The Smith County District Attorney’s Office said that Nyabuto will be eligible for parole in 16 years.

Daniel Nyabuto, 22, was convicted of intoxication manslaughter on Tuesday for a 2022 incident wherein he crashed his car into a vehicle as Smith County Deputy Lorenzo Bustos conducted a traffic stop. Bustos was struck by the vehicle and killed. Now, Nyabuto faces between 5 and 99 years in prison, or possibly probation.

Yesterday’s session had Bustos’ wife take the stand for the prosecution. Today, the defense called Nyabuto’s father to testify. He talked about his family and immigrating from Kenya to America. He described his son as “a very caring person, having a lot of empathy, ready to help in the community.”

A probation officer for Smith County took the stand next. The defense questioned her about hypothetical terms of probation.

The pastor of Nyabuto’s family church took the stand on behalf of the defendant. The pastor said Nyabuto “had a talent of being a positive influence.”

Nyabuto’s mother was the next witness.

“Every night I pray for my son and for Bustos’ family to have strength,” she said.

The court went to recess for lunch around noon.

After returning from lunch, the state revealed they are seeking a life sentence for Nyabuto. They said that probation is only an option if the sentence is 10 years or less. The state said Nyabuto could be eligible for parole after half of the sentence is served.

Each side was given half an hour for closing arguments. As of 3 p.m., the defense had yet to close.

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