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Opening Statements Begin in Trial of 3 Ex–San Antonio Officers in Melissa Perez’s Shooting Death

The case is the first in which San Antonio officers face murder charges for an on-duty shooting.

Overview

  • Court convened Friday at noon after a 12-hour jury selection that ended just before 11 p.m.
  • Former officers Eleazar Alejandro and Alfred Flores face murder counts, while Nathaniel Villalobos is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
  • If convicted, Alejandro and Flores could receive life terms, and Villalobos faces up to 20 years.
  • Judge Ron Rangel has not ruled on whether jurors can hear about a recent federal dismissal of the family’s civil suit or on defense objections to any Castle Doctrine references.
  • Body-camera video shows the shooting occurred during a mental health crisis in Perez’s apartment, a response the police chief later said was not consistent with department policy.