Columbia prowler sentenced to 10 years in prison, given credit for time served
Ryan Shiner
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The man who pleaded guilty last month to multiple felonies in the 2022 Columbia prowler case was sentenced on Monday afternoon.
Guillermo Vasquez Hernandez, 35, of Columbia, pleaded guilty on Feb. 6 to two counts of first-degree burglary and two counts forgery. He received a 10-year prison sentence and will be given credit for time served.
His lawyer argued for the minimum sentence of 5 years. The defense said Vasquez had no prior felonies and that keeping him in a Missouri prison would be a burden to taxpayers, as Vasquez is in the country illegally.
On a search of his home is Oct. 2024, officers found a fake social security card and a green card with Vasquez’s picture on it, but a different name.
He was previously charged with two counts of first-degree burglary, one count of second-degree burglary, two counts of forgery and a count of misdemeanor stealing. He is being held at the Boone County Jail. Jail records also indicate he is being held on an immigration detainer. He will be deported back to Mexico following the completion of his sentence.
According to court documents in previous reporting, Vasquez’s fingerprints have been connected to at least three cases of a man violating the privacy of multiple women.
One of his victims addressed the court today detailing the ways her life has changed due to Vasquez. Kelly Cook said she was taking a bath in her apartment on Aug. 9, 2022 when she made eye contact with Vasquez as he was walking down her hallway. She chased him out of her apartment through the window that he broke in through.
“Every small noise makes my heart race. I double check locks, sometimes 3 or 4 times and I still find myself lying awake with a pocket knife in my hand underneath my pillow wondering if that was enough to keep me safe,” Cook said.
Columbia police released the first statement asking for the community’s help in identifying a suspected prowler on Nov. 8, 2022. The victim’s ages ranged from 20-30 years old. Many of the incidents happened in south Columbia, with many occurring at apartments off of South Old 63.