Defense claims fatal stabbing was 'drug-fueled battle' for suspect's life

Prosecutors: David Villarreal stabbed roommate Aaron Estrada then fled to Austin

SAN ANTONIO – During opening statements Tuesday in the murder trial of David Villarreal, his lawyers said the 31-year-old stabbed his 29-year-old roommate Aaron Estrada to death in self-defense during a "drug-fueled battle for his life."

The two shared an apartment in the 12000 block of West Avenue where the stabbing occurred on Oct.16, 2015.

Villarreal's defense attorney suggested the two had been involved in a heated argument over an elaborate security camera system Estrada had installed in the apartment.

Prosecutors told the jury that a friend of the men arrived at the apartment as Villarreal was leaving.

“He is saying ’I did it, I did it’, and he’s freaking out,” prosecutor Kimberly Gonzalez said.

What he did, Gonzalez said, was stab Estrada to death -- and it wasn’t self-defense, it was murder.

The men were involved in a romantic relationship and used drugs supplied by Estrada according to the defense.

Claiming the stabbing was self-defense, Villarreal’s lawyer, Alex Scharff, said, “He didn’t want to be in some kind of drug-fueled battle for his life, but that’s basically what happened.”

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

A guilty verdict could mean a life prison sentence for Villarreal.


About the Author:

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