Deputies: Union County Murder Suspect Sentenced To Life In Prison

April 22, 2022

Caryn Little, Samantha Gilstrap,

1/8
2/8
3/8

Byron Watkins
4/8

Antwan Sturdivant
5/8

Victim - Lucero Sosa Capote
6/8

Byron Watkins And Antwan Sturdivant
7/8
8/8

The Latest:

Deputies say Byron Watkins was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to first degree murder in connection with the July 2019 death of a Union County mother.

Watkins is accused of killing Lucero Sosa Capote and injuring two of her children during a violent home invasion, according to a news release.

Click here for a WCCB exclusive of Watkins’ apology to the family.

Update (7/26/19):

Byron Watkins has been extradited to Union County. He faces charges of First-Degree Murder, Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault on a Child Under 12, First-Degree Burglary and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

Update (July 26, 2019 at 9:05am):

Officials say Byron Blair Watkins was captured in Lexington County, South Carolina early Friday morning. Chief Bryan Gilliard of the Monroe Police Department says Watkins was arrested by the United States Marshals service and is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center.

More information will be released as it develops. Check back for updates.

Original Story (July 25, 2019):

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — A SWAT situation is underway in Union County near the North Carolina/South Carolina border. Investigators say they are actively searching for a murder suspect in the area. Multiple agencies are assisting in the search.

Byron Blair Watkins, age 25, is the fugitive being sought by law enforcement near the N.C./SC line off N.C. 200. Subject wanted by Monroe PD on multiple charges,including First Degree Murder. He is considered armed and extremely dangerous. If seen, call 911 immediately. pic.twitter.com/30VNsozda7

— Union County Sheriff (@UnionCoSheriff) July 25, 2019

The media is being staged at a church in Waxhaw. We have a crew at the scene and will provide updates as we receive them. Anyone in the area is asked to stay in their homes unless you are told differently from law enforcement. Motorists are advised to avoid the area at this time.

Monroe Police had been searching for two murder suspects who are accused of killing a mother and injuring two of her children during a violent home invasion. One of those suspects, Antwan Sturdivant, 19, was taken into custody last night. Investigators say they are actively trying to detain Bryon Watkins, 25, on multiple charges, including murder.

This is video from the scene of the SWAT standoff on N.C. 200:

Watkins is described as a white male, 5 feet 6 inches tall, 160 pounds, with tattoos over his entire body. He is charged with 1st Degree Murder, 1st Degree Burglary, Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Discharge a Firearm in an occupied dwelling, and Assault on a Child under 12.

Watkins is considered armed and dangerous. If seen, contact 911 immediately. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.