A Texas man has confessed to fatally shooting a mother of four in a shocking road rage incident, leading to her car overturning in a ditch. The incident, which occurred in San Antonio, has ended with the man being sentenced to more than 30 years in prison.

Nicholas Hernandez, aged 25, received a 35-year prison sentence on Friday after pleading guilty in a state district court to the murder of 31-year-old Julie Marie Butcher. The plea agreement stipulated this as the maximum sentence, according to online court documents, as reported by the San Antonio Express-News.

“The tragic loss of Julie is immeasurable, but we hope that today’s sentence offers some comfort to her family and friends,” stated Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales in a comment to local ABC station KSAT.

The confrontation unfolded on the night of November 8, 2024, as Butcher was driving on Interstate 35. During the heated exchange, Hernandez shot Butcher in the head before fleeing the scene, as detailed in his arrest affidavit, KSAT reports. The exact cause of the altercation remains unknown.

Authorities discovered Butcher’s vehicle in a ditch, where she was declared deceased by responding officers.

Authorities say Hernandez couldn’t keep quiet about what happened after the shooting unfolded and told several friends, who then notified detectives.

At least four witnesses came forward and reported speaking with Hernandez about the slaying or items related to it. One told investigators that Hernandez had asked him to dispose of two 9 mm shell casings. Another provided police with text messages that showed Hernandez talking about the shooting.

On top of that, Hernandez had called the San Antonio Police Department himself 15 hours after Butcher’s murder to try to report a Beretta 9 mm handgun that he owned as stolen, according to KSAT. The same model was used to kill Butcher.

“This Thanksgiving, our family is profoundly grateful for the progress toward justice for Julie Marie Butcher,” her family said in a statement after Hernandez’s arrest, calling it “an important step forward in this difficult journey” after weeks of not getting answers.

“While the pain of her loss is still with us, we take comfort in the dedication of law enforcement and the overwhelming support from our community,” the family said. “Your prayers, kindness, and solidarity have been a source of strength for us.”

A GoFundMe organized on behalf of Butcher’s father, David Delgado, describes her as a “beloved wife, mother, daughter, and friend.” She worked as a general manager at the Papa John’s in New Braunfels.

“She leaves behind her devoted husband, Michael Butcher, and their four precious children — Hailey, Jaxson, Michael, and Kenneth — who are now faced with an overwhelming loss,” the GoFundMe says.