Murder trial begins for man accused of shooting man over a woman

Matthew Bailey-Vo shot during argument

SAN ANTONIO – During opening arguments in his murder trial, Joshua Gonzales' lawyers told the jury that he shot and killed Matthew Bailey-Vo in self-defense during an argument over a woman.

But prosecutors said that when he was interviewed by Bexar County sheriff’s deputies on the night of the shooting, Feb. 2, 2014, he had a different story.

“In his interview he described it as trying to fire a warning shot in the air,” prosecutor Alaina Altis told the jury.

Defense attorney Alan Brown said that the shooting was “a classic case of self-defense” and noted that after the shooting, his client tried to get help for Bailey-Vo.

“He called 911,” Brown said. “He tried his best to help him.”

According to Altis, a heated argument preceded the shooting.

“The two men agreed to a fist fight that night, but it was the defendant (Gonzales) who escalated the situation when he threatened to kill Matt by shooting him in the head,” she said.

Gonzales fled following the shooting, but minutes later called sheriff’s deputies and surrendered.

Testimony is expected to continue on Tuesday in Judge Lori Valenzuela’s 437th District Court.

A guilty verdict could send Gonzales to prison for life.

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About the Author:

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