On January 13, 2026, a military jury at Fort Hood, Texas acquitted Spc. Nicholas Lowery of unpremeditated murder and obstruction of justice charges. The court-martial lasted eight days, with the jury deliberating for approximately four hours before returning the verdict.
The charges stemmed from an August 2023 incident that resulted in the death of Sgt. Alfredo Martinez. Jonathan Crisp of Crisp and Associates served as defense counsel.
The defense argued that statements made by Spc. Lowery during an 11-hour CID interrogation were coerced and that investigators had pursued a predetermined narrative rather than following the evidence.
“The government rushed to judgment and wanted to find an answer. They wouldn’t consider anything else,” Crisp stated during closing arguments, as reported by Stars and Stripes.
The case was covered by Stars and Stripes military news: https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2026-01-13/soldier-acquitted-shooting-death-sergeant-20397065.html
Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in future cases.
