Bio

Jessy Carlos San Miguel was born on September 5, 1971. He grew up in Irving, Texas. Information about his early life is limited. He had a difficult childhood, marked by exposure to domestic violence and childhood abuse. This background likely affected his behavior later in life.

In school, San Miguel had a troubled experience. He frequently got into fights and was known for his aggressive behavior. By the time he reached junior high, he was involved in many altercations with other students. Some classmates testified about specific incidents where he threatened others with weapons or engaged in physical fights. These altercations often started because of personal disputes, including issues related to his girlfriend.

As a teenager, San Miguel began to have encounters with the law. He had several run-ins with the police. He was arrested multiple times for various offenses, including carrying weapons illegally and burglary. His early criminal history included being accused of shooting someone and involvement in incidents that could be considered gang-related.

At school, he dropped out in the 10th grade. Despite his challenges, there were indications that he wanted to be seen as tough and earned a reputation among peers for his willingness to fight. Some witnesses noted that San Miguel seemed to enjoy this reputation.

Murder Story

On January 26, 1991, Jessy Carlos San Miguel and his friend Jerome Green entered a Taco Bell restaurant in Irving, Texas, while it was closed. They waited outside until an employee opened the door to take out the trash. Once inside, they forced the assistant manager, Michael John Phelan, to help them access the safe. They quickly rounded up Phelan and three other people: 16-year-old Theresa Fraga, her cousin Frank Fraga, and a friend, Son Trang Nyugen, who was waiting outside in a car.

San Miguel and Green moved the four individuals into a walk-in freezer, holding them there while they attempted to rob the restaurant. After obtaining cash from the safe, San Miguel returned to the freezer. He then asked the hostages for a reason not to kill them. He shot each of them in the head using a 9 mm pistol at close range. Michael Phelan and Son Trang Nyugen were shot once, while both Theresa and Frank Fraga were shot twice.

Later that morning, police stopped San Miguel and Green's vehicle for a suspected drunk driving incident. Inside the car, they discovered a Taco Bell bag containing $1,390 and the pistol used in the murders. The police also found ski masks and gloves. Blood evidence on their clothing linked them to the crime scene.

San Miguel confessed to the murders during police questioning, admitting his role in the crime. His accomplice, Jerome Green, pleaded guilty and received a 50-year prison sentence. San Miguel was charged with capital murder for the killings, and in June 1991, he was sentenced to death.

He spent several years on death row, maintaining that he had a fair trial despite his conviction. Many appeals were made, but they were ultimately denied. On June 29, 2000, Jessy Carlos San Miguel was executed by lethal injection in Texas. He was pronounced dead at 6:19 PM, and members of the victims' families witnessed the execution. San Miguel did not acknowledge their presence. His last statement urged his family to be strong.