US Edition3 former SAPD officers acquitted in trial over shooting death of Melissa Perez
The jury acquitted the officers amid conflicting testimonies over the use of force during a mental health call; the case is the first Bexar County murder charge in an on-duty shooting.
- On Monday, a Bexar County jury acquitted former San Antonio Police Department officers Alfred Flores, Eleazar Alejandro and Nathaniel Villalobos after a monthlong trial, with Judge Ron Rangel reading the verdict just after 3 p.m. and the jury deliberating in less than two hours.
- During the June 23, 2023 mental-health response, officers say Melissa Perez triggered a fire alarm then came toward them with a hammer, prompting them to fire while she suffered a mental-health crisis.
- Detective Ronald Soto, lead investigator, acknowledged omitting key details and not viewing all 15 responding officers' body-worn cameras; prosecutors said 16 shots were fired, Perez was struck by two bullets, and officers were arrested within 24 hours.
- The City of San Antonio said civil and disciplinary processes are separate, while the Bexar County District Attorney's Office respects the jury's verdict and the officers are no longer employed by SAPD.
- The case represents the first time Bexar County law enforcement faced murder charges for an on-duty shooting, raising questions about SAPD's mental-health response and prompting advocates to push for embedding behavioral-health professionals in patrol units.
8 Articles
8 Articles
Jury acquits San Antonio police officers charged with murder in Melissa Perez shooting
A muralist paints a memorial dedicated to Melissa Perez. After an hour and a half of deliberation, a jury on Monday acquitted all three police officers Former Sgt. Alfred Flores and former officer Eleazar Alejandro were charged and acquitted on charges of murder, aggravated assault, and deadly conduct. Meanwhile, former officer Nathaniel Villalobos was found not guilty of one count of aggravated assault and deadly conduct.
3 former SAPD officers found not guilty in killing of Melissa Perez
A Bexar County jury found three former San Antonio police officers not guilty in the 2023 killing of Melissa Perez, concluding a monthlong trial focused on mental-health response.Jury finds 3 former SAPD officers not guilty in 2023 killing of Melissa Perez was first posted on November 10, 2025 at 4:49 pm.©2021 "San Antonio Report". Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this article in your feed reader, …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
