Witness describes slaying during botched robbery

Witness testifies against co-defendant on trial for capital murder

SAN ANTONIO – It was an attempted robbery that suddenly turned to murder, according to Ryan Hardwick, 27, one of three men who came up with the plan.

“I didn’t see a gun until there was shooting,” Hardwick testified Thursday during the capital murder trial of Demond Franklin.

Hardwick explained that he, Franklin and a third man, David Martinez, schemed to rob Deandre Thompson, who Martinez said was a drug dealer.

“There was talk about a robbery, but, I mean, I wasn’t expecting anything that had transpired to happen.” Hardwick said. “As we’re walking up the stairs, Deandre opened the front door and that’s when I first see the gun and a bunch of shots ring out.”

The shots were fired from a gun that Franklin had pulled out, Hardwick said.

Prosecutor Kristina Escalona asked Hardwick, “Your testimony is that the first thing that Demond does is fire the gun?”

“That’s correct,” Hardwick replied.

If found guilty, Franklin is faces life in prison without parole.

As part of a plea deal, Hardwick pleaded guilty to murder in exchange for his testimony. He is facing a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

Testimony will resume Monday in Judge Melisa Skinner’s 290th District Court.


About the Author:

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