TYLER, Texas — The family of a Tyler teen killed in Lake Palestine boat crash spoke exclusively to CBS19 after the child's killer was sentenced to life in prison.
Following the sentencing, Roberto Carlos 'Carlitos' Bermejo's mother said the family has renewed hope for the justice system.
"He was a great son and a good person," Judith Hernandez said.
During the trial, Hernandez described her son as her right-hand, caretaker, and the man of the house.
Hernandez said he would "take care of us" by helping with the family budget and making meals for them.
Alexa, Carlitos' sister, was not just her older brother -- but her best friend. She said she and Carlitos argued like siblings, but shared secrets like best friends. She said they also loved to dance together.
Alexa said the day her brother died felt like a dream. She said she remembers him "face down in the water" and she tried waking him up, but he didn't move.
Carlitos was often described at the caretaker of the family, and stayed true to that characterization even as he took his last breath, sacrificing his life for his youngest sister, who was 2 at the time.
Hernandez said, “his love was so big for them he did not doubt in protecting them" - a decision, she said another person might not have made.
Carlitos would've turned 17 on March 7 this year. His mom says despite still having a great relationship with her son's friends, "it hurts a lot to see them" grow up knowing her son will never be able to.
Prior to the trial, Hernandez said she felt sorry for the boat driver, Jeffrey Joe Hampton, and even "after they showed the evidence in court he did know what he was doing," she said she does not hate him.
After three days of trial, the jury deliberated for nearly four hours. Alexa said as the hours past, she felt nervous and anxious. But when the verdict was in, Hampton was sentenced to life in prison for the death of their beloved Carlitos.
Alexa said in that moment, she looked up and said "may you rest in peace now."