HOUSTON - A Houston man has been sentenced to 55 years in prison for his involvement in a brutal gang rape 18 years ago, according to the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
Wilber Ulises Molina, 38, was sentenced by a jury on Thursday after being convicted following a 4-day trial.
Prosecutors said, the assault happened in February 2000 when a Port Arthur woman was carjacked at gunpoint, blindfolded, driven to a field, and gang raped by four men, including Molina.
Before leaving her in the car, the suspects put the vehicle on blocks and stole the wheels and rims.
The victim was visiting Houston for the rodeo at this time.
“Justice delayed will not be justice denied." said Assistant Harris County District Attorney Christopher Handley. “To the perpetrators of these horrific crimes, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and you will spend many years in prison.”
Molina did not testify in the trial and has refused to reveal the identities of the others involved in the attack.
A nurse testified that the victim’s injuries were the worst she’d seen in more than 500 rape victims she’s attended to in her career.
The cold case gained momentum back in 2013 after Molina was convicted of Aggravated Assault in a road rage incident and was sentenced to five years in prison.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice collected his DNA, as it does with all new prisoners.
It was pushed through a database and later determined to be a match to the tune of 1 in 3.9 quadrillion, authorities said.
The victim, who returned to Houston to testify against Molina, said she had found peace with the attack, but had advice for other victims.
“The most important thing is the healing,” she said. “Regardless of whether they get caught or not, heal yourself and the rest will happen as it should.”
Prosecutor Handley said the Sex Crimes Division of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office is committed to delivering justice for victims and the community.
“We will continue the unrelenting prosecution of cold cases and serial rapists,” he said. “When we find you, you will end up like Wilber Molina.”
