local
Ector County man sentenced to 99 years for murder conviction
By Jesse Zaragoza at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)
· July 15, 2026
· 1 min read
ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - Anthony Cortez was found guilty of Murder in the 1st degree by an Ector County Jury and sentenced to 99 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, plus a $10,000 fine. On November 5th, 2024, Cortez shot his co-worker, Marcos Criddle, at their worksite. Su...
Key takeaway On November 5th, 2024, Cortez shot his co-worker, Marcos Criddle, at their worksite.
Why this matters in The Odessa
The sentencing of Anthony Cortez to 99 years for the murder of his co-worker, Marcos Criddle, brings a measure of closure to a case that shocked the Odessa community. The fact that the crime occurred at a worksite adds a layer of concern for workplace safety in Ector County. As the area continues to experience growth in the energy sector, ensuring that workplaces remain safe and secure for all employees is crucial. The use of surveillance video in securing Cortez's conviction also highlights the importance of such technology in preventing and investigating crimes. With Cortez now set to serve his sentence in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the community can begin to heal from this tragic event. The $10,000 fine imposed alongside the prison sentence will also serve as a financial deterrent to potential offenders.
About this story
Original reporting by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - Anthony Cortez was found guilty of Murder in the 1st degree by an Ector County Jury and sentenced to 99 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, plus a $10,000 fine. On November 5th, 2024, Cortez shot his co-worker, Marcos Criddle, at their worksite. Su...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jesse Zaragoza at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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