The man who was shot by a Lubbock homeowner last year admitted to burglary this week and was sentenced on Thursday to 10 years probated. In other words, if he stays out of trouble, he won’t have to serve the 10 years in prison.
Clayton Ross Fillingim, 34, was shot by a homeowner in the 3700 block of 28th Street back on October 23, 2016 at about 2:15 a.m.
Police said at the time, “The victims, a family of six, advised police they were sleeping when the suspect broke through a back door and entered their kitchen.”
A resident confronted Fillingim with a gun, according to police.
“At that point, the father says the suspect told the family to get out of the house as [Fillingim] poured lighter fluid on the floor and attempted to light it on fire,” police said.
Fillingim was first taken to Covenant Medical Center for treatment. He was then delivered to the Lubbock County Detention Center for burglary. He was later able to bond out.
This week Fillingim pleaded guilty. A jury then heard evidence in a punishment hearing and decided to opt for probation. A judge will decide the specific terms of probation at a later date.
Fillingim’s attorney, Rod Hobson, said this is one of the best cases of a defendant turning his life around. Hobson made reference to a drug problem and said Fillingim cleaned up over the last year.
Hobson said the jury really worked through the evidence. “We think it was the right outcome.”
“Time will tell,” Hobson said. “And I hope my client makes better decisions in the future.”
