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05/20/2010 08:54 PM

Repeat DWI offender gets life in prison for murder

By: News 8 Austin Staff

A jury sentenced a repeat DWI offender to life in prison for murder Thursday.

A jury convicted Michael Filius, 51, of murder.
A jury convicted Michael Filius, 51, of murder.
Michael Filius, of Jonestown, was convicted of causing the death of a father of five, while under the influence of alcohol.

Officials said when Filius ran a red light at the intersection of Highway 183 and Lakeline Boulevard in October, his truck hit 42-year-old Roel Castillo's vehicle.

Castillo died from his injuries.

Filius, who has eight previous DWI convictions from several states, had a blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit.

The previous convictions allowed prosecutors to charge him with murder.

He won't be eligible for parole for at least 30 years.

Castillo lived in Bertram and was the father of five children.