Copyright The New York Times
Three former San Antonio police officers were acquitted on Monday of all charges related to the fatal shooting of a woman who appeared to be having a mental health crisis when they were dispatched to her apartment in 2023. The officers — Alfred Flores, 45; Eleazar Alejandro, 30; and Nathaniel Villalobos, 29 — were all charged with aggravated assault and deadly conduct in the case, which was argued before Judge Ron Rangel, of the 379th Criminal District Court. Mr. Flores and Mr. Alejandro had also been facing a murder charge. The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office told the local news outlet KSAT that it respected the jury’s decision and had no further comment. Lawyers for the officers told journalists outside the courtroom on Monday that they were pleased with the verdict, and that the case should never have gone forward. “We asked for a quick verdict, and we’re glad that it came back quickly,” said Nico Lahood, a lawyer for Mr. Villalobos. When the verdict was read, after a deliberation of under two hours by the jury, some of the officers appeared to tear up. Members of the officers’ families hugged each other after Ms. Perez’s family left the courtroom. Some members of Ms. Perez’s family yelped with each not-guilty verdict. Ms. Perez’s daughter Alexis Tovar and others cried as they left the courtroom. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
