Three men have been handed prison sentences for their involvement in the 2017 murder of Army combat veteran Tyler Croke, 23, in East El Paso. Brandon Olsen, Tristan Chilton, and Adam Acosta received their sentences on Friday after accepting plea deals related to Croke’s death.

Acosta received a sentence of 35 years, with credit for the seven years he has already served for first-degree murder. Chilton also received a 35-year sentence, with credit for time served. Olsen, meanwhile, was handed a life sentence for his role in the murder.

Impact on Croke Family

During the sentencing, Rory Croke, Tyler’s younger sister, delivered a victim impact statement, expressing how the family has been irreversibly altered by the loss of her brother. Kristen Croke, Tyler’s mother, also addressed the court, emphasizing the profound impact of Tyler’s death on their lives and urging that the defendants be kept away from society indefinitely.

Kristen Croke expressed the deep pain of losing her son, stating, My son was taken from you. You brutally took his life with no mercy.

Case Background

The murder of Tyler Croke took place on May 7, 2017, during a violent drug robbery at his apartment in the 1500 block of Lomaland. Croke’s throat was slit during the incident, which led to the indictment of five defendants.

Stephanie Fernandez, identified as the getaway driver, was convicted of murder in 2018 and received a life sentence. Zachary Johnston, another co-defendant, pleaded guilty in December 2019 and was also sentenced to life in prison.

Military Connection

Fort Bliss officials confirmed that Brandon Olsen was an active duty soldier stationed at the post at the time of Croke’s murder. Johnston and Acosta had been separated from the Army one month prior to the incident.

This case highlights the tragic consequences of violence and serves as a reminder of the profound impact on victims’ families and communities.

In the aftermath of the sentencing, the Croke family continues to grapple with the loss of their loved one while seeking closure and justice through the legal process.

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