Convicted Murderer Receives Maximum Sentence

SAN ANGELO, TX – Convicted murderer Christopher Jeffery Wise was sentenced to life in prison Monday afternoon in the brutal beating death of his girlfriend Christie Feland in November 2022.

340th District Judge heard testimony from a dozen witnesses during the punishment phase of the trial from Friday afternoon to Monday morning. Four witnesses from Farmington, NM testified that Wise had shoved and beat a woman at a New Year’s Eve party in 2009. Testimony showed Wise was at the party at an apartment complex when he got into an argument with his then-girlfriend.  He shoved her and hit her with his fist according to witnesses. When others tried to intervene, he fought them as well.  The police were called and Wise was arrested on two counts of battery.

In another incident, District Attorney Allison Palmer showed the court a video taken in a Walmart parking lot.  The chilling video showed Wise brutally beating, kicking, and stomping another girlfriend in broad daylight.

Palmer also put several Tom Green County Jail Corrections Officers on the witness stand. They testified that Wise was involved in three violent altercations while in custody at the jail.

Palmer also brought back three of Christie Feland’s family members back to testify in the punishment phase of Wise’s trial. First Christie’s sister, Robin Matschek took the stand. She tested that Christie’s murder was devastating to her, her parents, and especially Christie’s children.

Palmer then put Christi’s two daughters back on the stand. Stephane Prine tearfully testified that she suffered from PTSD and was treated through therapy after her mother died.  Samantha Prine, Christie’s oldest daughter, testified about how devastating the loss was. She said, “I just want her to be there to hold me.”

With that, Palmer rested the state’s punishment case.

Next, defense attorney Gonzalo Rios called two witnesses to the stand. Charles "Chuck" Richardson is a counselor with Celebrate Recovery and said Wise participated in their 12-step program and was a leader while in the TGCJ.

Rios then put Wise’s mother on the witness stand. Dawn Fowler said she was the only one there for her son.

With that, Rios rested his case.

Judge Jay Weatherby then asked for closing arguments from the attorneys. Palmer said she was seeking a sentence of life in prison on behalf of the people of the State of Texas. She said Wise had a repeat history of the worst kind of violence and brutality against women and it was her job to protect all women from him.

Rios’ only statement was, “My client’s position is he maintains his innocence.”

Judge Weatherby retired to his chambers to deliberate the sentence. Twenty minutes later, he reentered the courtroom.

Weatherby had Wise and his attorney stand. The judge then sentenced Wise to the maximum of life in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Weatherby informed Wise that he has 30 days to appeal his sentence and 90 days to request a new trial.

Wise was remanded to the custody of the Tom Green County Jail until he can be transported to the TDCJ.