Judge blocks rent collection and property control in Corpus Christi estate dispute as tenants say they feel misled and financially harmed by the situation.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Nueces County judge has set a May 12 hearing after issuing a restraining order against Corpus Christi Crónica founder Eric Lee Tunchez in a property dispute.
The order, issued Tuesday by County Court at Law No. 4, blocks Tunchez from collecting rent, handling payments, or representing himself as an authorized agent connected to the estate properties at the center of the case.
Court records show the dispute involves the Estate of Robert Michael Peters and rental income from several Corpus Christi properties.
The court previously ruled that Tunchez does not have legal standing in the case.
Amy Becker, named in court filings as the estate administrator, says she has authority over the properties and that the dispute has been ongoing since 2023.
Becker said, “What he did is he started taking out these affidavits, renting out the properties to some of these people, taking their money. Some of them, those were their only checks. He was taking their money and not giving it to the rightful owner, which was the trust.”
Tunchez, a former Corpus Christi City Council candidate, appeared in court Tuesday and arrived after proceedings had already begun.
He said, “The court has issued a temporary restraining order which I fully comply with, while I pursue all legal remedies. This remains an ongoing probate and trust matter involving long-vacant properties in the City of Corpus Christi. I have acted in good faith to maintain the properties and I am committed to a fair resolution.”
Several tenants were also in court, with some seeking resolution and others alleging they were misled or financially impacted by the situation.
Court records show the legal dispute has been ongoing since 2024.