SAN ANTONIO – The father of a 25-year-old man who was fatally shot at a West Side housing project said his son was deliberately killed despite claims of self-defense by the accused killer.
"He shot my son six times. That's not trying hurt someone," Leroy Arocha said. "It's intentionally trying to kill someone."
Arocha's son, Isaac, was shot to death during a heated argument with the murder suspect, Rosalio Barazza, in the early morning hours of July 20, 2013. Barazza fled to Mexico following the shooting and was not arrested until the spring of 2016.
During his opening statement in the trial, Barazza's lawyer said his client opened fire in self-defense as Arocha advanced angrily toward him, shouting obscenities and repeatedly saying, "Do it, do it."
According to witnesses, Isaac Arocha was unarmed.
"He never carried a gun. I taught him that to carry a gun does not make you a man," Leroy Arocha said.
Leroy Arocha said that to him, there is only one appropriate verdict for Barazza -- guilty. And only one appropriate sentence -- life in prison.
"I want justice for my son," he said. "I demand justice."
Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday morning before Senior Judge Raymond Angelini in 290th District Court.
If convicted, Barazza faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.