Third defendant in 2017 Picantes Restaurant robbery found guilty
A 29-year-old man faces up to life in prison after he was convicted by a jury for his role in the armed robbery of a Central Lubbock restaurant four years ago.
Jurors in the 364th District Court deliberated for two and 1/2 hours before returning with their verdict finding 29-year-old Phillip Velazquez guilty as charged of aggravated robbery for his role in the Jan. 27, 2017, armed robbery at Picantes restaurant in the 3800 block of 34th Street.
Velazquez is the final defendant to be convicted in the robbery. His brother, Joseph Gonzalez, was sentenced in 2019 to 60 years in prison for his role in the robbery. Damian Villarreal, who testified against Gonzalez, pleaded guilty in September in exchange for a 30-year prison sentence.