Prosecutors say murder suspect's relatives led to arrest

Anthony Smith on trial for 2013 killing of Daniel Cantu

SAN ANTONIO – During opening statements Tuesday in the murder trial of Anthony Smith, 25, prosecutors told the jury that Smith’s aunt was instrumental in solving the murder of Daniel Cantu.

Smith is on trial for murder, accused of shooting Cantu to death outside his Northeast Side apartment on the night of July 28, 2013.

Nearly three weeks after the killing, Anthony Smith was arrested after police talked to his aunt, Jean Smith.

“She heard from him that he committed this crime at the Banyan Tree Apartments,” prosecutor Kim Gonzalez told the jury during her opening statement.

Gonzalez said Anthony Smith also admitted to other relatives that he murdered Cantu.

Anthony Smith’s lawyer, Christian Henricksen, told the jury that Jean Smith was not to be believed. He said she was bitter because her son is in prison for murder.

“Anthony helped put him there," Henricksen said. “Anthony cooperated with police in that investigation.”

He said, “Jean has had a problem with Anthony ever since.”

Tuesday’s testimony began with police and crime scene investigators explaining to the jury what they found at the crime scene.

A broken wallet chain was attached to Cantu’s belt, but his wallet was missing. Police suspect that robbery was the motive for the killing.

Testimony is expected to continue Wednesday in Judge Jefferson Moore’s 186th District Court.

If he is found guilty, Anthony Smith faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.


About the Author:

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