SAN ANTONIO – He claimed that a flash fire in November 2013 ignited his pickup truck and claimed the life of his 2-year-old grandson.
But authorities said that Joel Soto’s story was not consistent with the evidence and he is now facing a murder trial in the death of Jeremy Soto.
“He went to the bed of his truck, took a gas can, sprinkled it over Jeremy, who was already dead,” prosecutor Stephanie Boyd told the jury during opening arguments in Soto’s trial.
He’s charged with felony murder, arson and injury to a child by omission.
“The medical examiner will tell you that Jeremy had a high quantity of methamphetamine in his system,” Boyd said.
RELATED: Jury selection begins in case of grandfather accused of killing grandson
The indictment alleges that Soto allowed the child to ingest the drugs. It also alleges that he intentionally set the truck on fire.
If convicted, Soto is facing a maximum punishment of life in prison.
Testimony is expected to continue on Tuesday in Judge Ron Rangel’s 379th District Court.
--------------------------------------------------------
Don't miss a thing. Get email alerts from KSAT12 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. Breaking news, severe weather, daily forecasts, entertainment news, all of the day’s important events to keep you up to date wherever you are.
Sign up today. It's Free.