UPDATE: The charges against all four suspects in the tragic death of 14-year-old Simon Cuevas have been significantly downgraded. Previously facing capital murder charges, the suspects are now charged with assault as investigations continue.
On April 16, Simon Cuevas was brutally attacked just moments after leaving San Antonio Independent School District’s Brewer Academy. Authorities report he was beaten and shot at the intersection of Elmendorf Street and Merida Street. Surveillance footage captured a group of five individuals following Cuevas before the violent incident.
All five suspects were initially arrested and charged with capital murder. However, their charges have now been reduced to a third-degree felony for injury to a child causing bodily injury. Notably, two suspects, Fernando Flores and Andrew Cantu, both aged 18, have yet to be sentenced. Meanwhile, two younger brothers, aged 14 and 15, were sentenced to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department on November 6. Tragically, a related suspect, Caesar Tijerina, aged 20, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in August.
Legal expert Karl Alexander from Chacon, Campbell & Alexander, PLLC, who is not directly involved in the case, explained that the downgrade of charges can be attributed to several factors. “There are multiple ways in which this can happen. Often people don’t really understand that,” he stated. Alexander emphasized that law enforcement may have acted too hastily in their initial assessment, leading to premature charges.
He elaborated, stating, “There’s a public safety concern; you have to react. You have to do something; you have to make an arrest.” As investigations progress, it sometimes becomes clear that initial charges were too severe. Alexander also noted potential flaws in evidence that could hinder the prosecution’s ability to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Another critical factor could be a lack of cooperation from witnesses. “If no one talked and they have nothing to demonstrate that everybody knew that gun was there, that’s where you’re going to run into a stumbling block,” he warned.
This shocking turn of events raises questions about justice for Simon Cuevas and the implications for the community. As more details emerge, the public is left to grapple with the complexities of the legal system and its impact on families affected by violence.
The community is urged to stay informed as updates on this case continue to develop. For further coverage, visit KSAT.com.
