http://letters.statesman.com/WBRH05DA42 ... 5F3EB6B3B5Excerpts:
In a tense courtroom guarded by 15 deputies, a Travis County jury sentenced a pastor and his twin brother to prison Friday for a beating that sent an 11-year-old boy to intensive care.
Joshua Thompson received 26 years in prison for injury to a child and 20 years for aggravated assault. Caleb Thompson received 14 years in prison for injury to a child and 14 years for aggravated assault. The sentences are to be served concurrently.
"We are disappointed," defense lawyer Gerry Goldstein said. "I was hoping we could have made an example of tempering discipline and punishment with compassion and tolerance."
Defense lawyer Van Hilley said the case will be appealed.
Louie testified last week that on July 3, 2002, Joshua Thompson, pastor at the Spanish-speaking Capitol City Baptist Church in South Austin, beat him on the back with two tree branches while Caleb Thompson held him down. Louie testified that he was beaten because he was goofing off in Bible class.
Louie spent five days in intensive care and was in danger of kidney failure.
A doctor testified earlier this week that the child was hit hundreds of times on the back.
Genevevo Arellano testified that Joshua Thompson told him he tried to "beat the devil" out of Louie.
At least 19 people testified that the Thompsons had spent their lives helping others. Joshua Thompson is a skilled carpenter who helped build cabinets and remodel homes, witnesses said.
Caleb Thompson, an artist, helped needy widows obtain cars, visited the sick in hospitals and painted houses.
Both the Thompsons received all their schooling at the church and have never worked outside of it.
They came to Austin in 1984 when their father, Hank Thompson, moved the Capitol City Baptist Church from Colorado.
Joshua Thompson must serve 13 years before he is eligible for parole, and Caleb Thompson must serve seven years to be eligible for parole.