Man pleads guilty in 2011 triple murder

Baron Ochoa accused of sexually assaulting niece

SAN ANTONIO – One of two brothers accused in a 2011 capital murder case agreed Monday to a plea deal.

Baron Ochoa, 40, pleaded guilty to charges of continuous sexual assault of a child and two counts of indecent sexual performance by a child.

The plea deal calls for a 55-year sentence on each of the three counts.

According to an indictment, Ochoa’s victim was his 10-year-old niece Samvastion “Sammie” Ochoa.

The child, her mother, Rebecca Gonzalez, and Gonzalez’ friend, Pamela Wenske, were found dead in Gonzalez’ home in September 2011. The three were stabbed to death and the home was set on fire to hide evidence of the sexual assault, authorities said.

The child’s father, Conrad Ochoa, is awaiting trial on capital murder charges in connection with the deaths.

As part of his plea agreement, Baron Ochoa will testify for the state in his brother’s trial.

A pretrial hearing in Conrad Ochoa’s case has been set for Jan. 19.


About the Author:

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