SAN ANTONIO – The trial of three former San Antonio Police officers charged in the 2023 shooting death of Melissa Perez continues today.
On Wednesday, the defense resumed its cross-examination of lead investigator Detective Ronald Soto, focusing on whether he properly conducted the investigation. Soto faced pointed questions about his review of body-camera footage and witness statements. When asked if he had thoroughly reviewed all the footage from 10 other officers at the scene, Soto admitted, “I did not do a thorough review like I should have.”
The defense also questioned Soto’s decision to issue arrest warrants just 12 hours after the shooting, arguing that his limited review of evidence failed to account for the split-second decisions the officers made. “You did not conduct the type of investigation to determine the totality of circumstances these officers faced,” the defense pressed.
Jurors also viewed body-camera footage showing Soto meeting with Perez’s family, who shared that Perez had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and struggled with substance abuse.
Tensions ran high in court as both sides debated what evidence could be shown to the jury. The prosecution suffered a setback when the judge barred its expert witness from testifying, following a defense motion. Judge Ron Rangel also warned prosecutors not to reference the related federal case in their arguments.
As the defense continues to challenge witnesses, it remains unclear when the trial will conclude.
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If convicted, the former officers could face life in prison.