Home / Crime and Justice / Manslaughter Plea Ends Wichita Falls Murder Case
Manslaughter Plea Ends Wichita Falls Murder Case
27 Jun
Summary
- Woman pleads guilty to manslaughter, receiving 18 years.
- Victim died from stab wounds in an apartment.
- Gas line disconnected; DNA linked suspect to scene.
Janea Aragon has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the manslaughter of James Shierling, who died on October 26, 2022. This resolution followed a plea agreement with the Wichita County District Attorney's Office, reducing the charge from murder, a first-degree felony. Aragon will serve her sentence credit with 463 days already spent in the Wichita County Jail.
Schierling was discovered deceased in his Wichita Falls apartment due to stab wounds. Investigations revealed that the natural gas line to the unit had been disconnected, with a lit cigarette found nearby. Aragon, who resides in New Mexico, was identified through witness statements and DNA evidence recovered from the cigarette. A prior release from jail occurred in June 2025 due to a grand jury delay, but she was re-arrested in July 2025 on murder and methamphetamine charges. The drug charge was dismissed on the sentencing date.
