Michael Rachal sentenced to life in prison

A man convicted earlier this month of shooting a female acquaintance after she evicted him in 2022 was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

District Judge John D. Mosely Jr. heard a victim impact statement from Andrea Rayson, a sister of victim Makaree Samone Rayson, before ordering Michael Elijah Rachal, 23, to spend the rest of his natural life in prison at hard labor, without possibility of parole, probation or suspension of sentence.

On September 7, 2022, Rachal had been staying at Rayson’s house, and she put him out. They argued while moving his belongings to the carport. The two went out to the carport and shots were heard by Ms. Rayson's younger sister inside. She saw Rachal running away, saying that Makaree had shot herself. Five shell casings were found at the scene and witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots. One shot struck Ms. Rayson fatally and another one went through her clothing without hitting her body. Both shots were fired at a distance not consistent with self-inflicted wounds. 

On January 6, 2023, Rachal was apprehended in Dallas, Texas, where he was working at a Panera Bread restaurant. He gave a statement saying the gun had fired once accidentally during a struggle and that he fled because of how it looked.

Rachal was convicted November 5 in Judge Mosely's court. His post-trial motions were denied and he waived delays in sentencing.

Assistant District Attorneys Ross Owen and Michael Anderson prosecuted the case. Casey Simpson and Caleb Traylor defended Rachal.

The case was docket No. 393777.