A Texas resident is facing a lifetime behind bars after a chilling crime involving the death of his friend, which he subsequently reported to the police. Joseph Aleman, aged 34, has received a 56-year prison sentence following his conviction for the murder of Victor Ochoa, as confirmed by the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.

The distressing incident unfolded on August 26, 2022, at Aleman’s residence located on Englewood Drive in San Antonio, Texas. On that day, Aleman and his 62-year-old friend, Ochoa, were together when Aleman brutally attacked Ochoa with a sword, inflicting multiple stab wounds. Following the attack, Aleman contacted emergency services to report the crime he had committed.

“Aleman called 911 to confess to the killing,” stated the district attorney’s office. The local NBC affiliate, WOAI, reported that Aleman made several bizarre statements to the police, including a claim about finding the “stairway to heaven.”

Upon arrival, law enforcement officials were led into the home by Aleman himself, who directed them to Ochoa’s lifeless body. Prosecutors described the scene as harrowing, with Ochoa lying in a pool of blood as a result of the fatal sword wounds. Aleman was promptly taken into custody at the scene.

Once officers entered the home, “he led them inside and directed them to Ochoa’s body, who had suffered fatal stab wounds from a sword,” prosecutors said. The victim’s body was lying in a pool of blood; Aleman was arrested.

Upon detaining the man, police learned he already had an outstanding warrant for his arrest on a kidnapping charge from months before. Aleman allegedly attacked his ex-girlfriend in April 2022, dragging her into his home and holding her captive. He was paranoid, according to an arrest warrant obtained by the local outlet, and believed the woman had killed his mother and buried her under his house.

Aleman was initially ruled incompetent to stand trial for both the murder and kidnapping cases. However, after he was treated in a state hospital, a judge last year determined that he was competent, and the murder case moved forward. Aleman faces trial in January 2026 for the alleged kidnapping.

“I am incredibly proud of the prosecution team’s unwavering commitment to this case,” Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said following the sentencing. “Their dedication ensured that every fact was brought to light and ultimately, the truth prevailed in court.”