MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX- A Montgomery County judge sentenced a habitual felony offender to 50 years in prison after finding him guilty of deadly conduct and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon in a case that began when his mother barricaded herself inside her bedroom and called 911 for help.
Judge Lisa Michalk of the 221st District Court found Justin Cottrell, 42, guilty following a bench trial on Oct. 19, 2026. Michalk also presided over the punishment phase and handed down the 50-year sentence.
The case began when Cottrell’s mother called 911 after barricading herself inside her bedroom out of fear of her son’s escalating behavior. She told emergency dispatchers that Cottrell was “going crazy” and tearing up the house. While she was on the phone with dispatchers, Cottrell went outside and fired a gun, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
Cottrell represented himself during the trial, with standby counsel present.
During the punishment phase, prosecutors presented evidence of Cottrell’s criminal history, which included 17 prior convictions. The court determined that he qualified as a habitual felony offender under Texas law, raising his potential punishment range to 25 years to life in prison.
After considering the evidence, Michalk sentenced Cottrell to 50 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Assistant District Attorney James Roberts prosecuted the case for the state.
“This case began with a mother barricading herself inside her own bedroom, afraid of her son’s actions. What unfolded was not simply a dangerous incident, but another chapter in a lengthy history of criminal behavior. The evidence established that this defendant had been given numerous opportunities to change course, yet continued to make choices that put others at risk. This sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions and the consequences of repeatedly disregarding the law,” Roberts said.
Montgomery County District Attorney Mike Holley said the sentence reflects the seriousness of repeatedly endangering others.
“Your home should be a place of safety, not a place where you fear for your life. When someone repeatedly chooses criminal behavior and continues to put others in danger, accountability is not optional. This 50-year sentence sends a powerful message: We will not allow habitual offenders to jeopardize the safety of our families and communities. In Montgomery County, protecting the innocent and holding dangerous offenders accountable will always be our priority,” Holley said.
