UPDATE: The charges for the four suspects in the tragic murder case of 14-year-old Simon Cuevas have been significantly downgraded, raising serious questions about the investigation. Instead of facing capital murder charges, the suspects are now charged with third-degree felony injury to a child as of November 6, 2023.
This shocking decision comes after the suspects were initially arrested following the brutal murder of Cuevas, who was beaten and shot just minutes after leaving San Antonio Independent School District’s Brewer Academy on April 16. Surveillance footage captured a group of five individuals trailing Cuevas before the fatal incident occurred at the corner of Elmendorf Street and Merida Street.
Defense attorney Karl Alexander, who is not involved in this case, explained the possible reasons for the downgrade, emphasizing that the evidence may not support the original capital murder charges. “There are multiple ways in which this can happen,” Alexander stated, highlighting how new findings during an investigation can lead to adjustments in charges.
The suspects, including Fernando Flores and Andrew Cantu, both 18 years old, have yet to be sentenced. Meanwhile, two younger suspects, 14 and 15 years old, were sent to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department after their sentencing on November 6. Tragically, a third suspect, Caesar Tijerina, who was 20 years old, died in August from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Alexander noted that the initial charges might have been driven by a need for public safety. “You have to make an arrest and get someone off the street,” he said. However, as investigations progress, law enforcement may find that the evidence does not support the severity of the initial charges.
“Flaws in the evidence could also prevent prosecutors from proving beyond a reasonable doubt that it was an intentional and knowing killing,” Alexander added. He further explained that if witnesses are uncooperative or do not provide crucial information about the incident, it can complicate the case significantly.
The downgrading of charges has left the community in shock, with many wondering how such a severe allegation could turn into a lesser charge so quickly. The emotional impact of Cuevas’s death continues to resonate, especially with his mother, who hopes for closure in this heartbreaking case.
Authorities are expected to continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Cuevas’s death, and the community is urging for transparency as the legal proceedings unfold.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the situation evolves.
