A victim’s decision not to pursue charges does not prevent prosecutors from filing criminal charges, the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office said.
The clarification comes after The Quarry Golf Course said it understands the two men involved in last weekend’s stabbing do not intend to pursue charges against each other.
According to the San Antonio Police Department, a 37-year-old man was hospitalized after a July 25 altercation at the golf course. Police said he got into a dispute with a 56-year-old man, who struck him with a blunt object before stabbing him with a knife. No arrests have been announced, and the investigation remains active.
The golf course has said the violence stemmed from “a dispute among long-term friends over a golf match.”
In statement, the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office said prosecutors follow a formal review process before deciding whether to file criminal charges.
“The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office is not an investigative agency, as we rely on local law enforcement to conduct investigations,” a spokesperson said. “After an investigation is completed, the agency that conducted the investigation submits the relevant charges to our office for review.
“At that point, we evaluate the evidence and make the decision on whether to proceed with filing charges.”
The office said a victim’s wishes are considered but are only one factor in deciding whether to prosecute a case.
“In some instances, charges may still be pursued even if the victim decides not to proceed. However, this determination is made on a case-by-case basis,” the spokesperson said.
Because the investigation remains active, the district attorney’s office declined to comment specifically on the Quarry Golf Course case.
SAPD said this week there have been no new developments in the investigation.