SAN ANTONIO – A federal judge has issued an arrest warrant for a key witness in the shooting death of a man by an off-duty San Antonio police officer.
The warrant for James Brantley was issued after he avoided being served with a subpoena numerous times.
Recommended Videos
Related: City asks independent counsel to review response to fatal 2014 officer-involved shooting
Brantley witnessed the shooting death of Marquise Jones by Officer Robert Encina, who was working security at a restaurant in 2014. Encina was cleared of any crime in 2015.
A wrongful-death lawsuit was filed by Jones' family against the city of San Antonio and Encina. The trial is supposed to begin next week.
Daryl Washington, the lawyer for Jones' family, said the order to arrest Brantley is another sign of a botched investigation.
Related: SAPD chief speaks publicly for first time about Marquise Jones case
"This was a negligent investigation. Things are being done that no one knows about," Washington said.
Washington said he discovered through court documents that the Bexar County District Attorney's Office has visited Brantley's home. Washington said the visit is part of intimidation of witnesses by the city.
An assistant city attorney said she is not aware of any intimidation by the District Attorney's Office or the San Antonio Police Department, and there's no proof of prior contact by officers with Brantley.
Sign up for email alerts today.
Get alerted to news events as they happen or sign up for a scheduled news headline email that is delivered right to your inbox.
All the day’s important news keeping you up to date wherever you are.
Click here to sign up today.