SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio man who initially told police his friend showed up at his home already injured has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the man’s death.
A Bexar County jury sentenced Israel Anthony Cortez on Monday evening after finding him guilty of manslaughter in the September 2023 death of Robert Neaves.
Cortez faced an enhanced punishment range because he was a repeat offender and a member of a criminal street gang, according to the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.
This sentence holds Israel Anthony Cortez accountable for the death of Robert Neaves,” Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said. “While no sentence can undo the loss experienced by Mr. Neaves’ loved ones, accountability is an important part of the pursuit of justice. We remain committed to standing with victims and their families and ensuring that those responsible for violent acts are held accountable for their actions.
The case began when Cortez called 911 and said Neaves had been injured in a fight somewhere else before arriving at his home. When San Antonio police arrived, they found Neaves with a stab wound to his chest. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
Cortez initially gave investigators the same story he had told the 911 dispatcher and was allowed to return home.
But the investigation changed after Cortez’s mother contacted police and told investigators her son had confessed to stabbing Neaves during a fight. Another witness also told investigators Cortez had admitted to the stabbing but described it as an accident.
Cortez was initially charged with murder in Neaves’ death. A jury ultimately found him guilty of manslaughter. Cortez will now serve a 40-year prison sentence.