Accused killer's lawyer claims client fired in self-defense

Isaac Arocha shot six times, left to die in street

SAN ANTONIO – During opening arguments in his murder trial, Rosalio Barazza’s attorney told the jury that his client shot Isaac Arocha, 25, in self-defense during a heated, alcohol-fueled argument in a West Side housing project in the summer of 2013.

Following the shooting, Barazza, who was 18 at the time, fled to Mexico. He was captured in 2016.

Attorney Pat Montgomery said that as the two men argued in the early-morning hours of July 20, 2013, Arocha began to advance toward his client in a threatening manner.

“He began to do things that were completely irrational, screaming ‘Do it! Do it! Do it!’” Montgomery said.

Noting that Barazza fired six shots, prosecutor Matthew Ludowig said that does not suggest self-defense.

“Four times in the chest, once in the chin and once in the hand,” he said.

“You’re going to hear, most importantly, that the victim was unarmed,” Ludowig told the jury.

Testimony will continue before Senior Judge Raymond Angelini in the 290th District Court on Wednesday.

If convicted, Barazza is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison.


About the Author:

Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role.