San Antonio man found guilty of 2021 murder of veteran helping stranger fix his car

SAN ANTONIO – A jury took only about one hour Wednesday to find Leopoldo Mora guilty of murder.

Mora shot and killed Kenneth Salazar while he was helping a stranger fix his vehicle in June 2021 outside a West Side motel.

The defendant had no reaction as the guilty verdict was read by 226th District Court Judge Velia Meza.

The punishment phase got underway Wednesday afternoon.

Salazar’s wife took the stand to talk about how he was a Gulf War Veteran, cancer survivor and loved fixing cars and motorcycles.

The couple had three kids and six grandchildren.

“Our grandchildren will never know him, he won’t be able to walk our daughter down the aisle,” Laura Salazar said. “I miss him terribly.”

Closing arguments for the sentencing phase are expected on Thursday. Because Mora had prior convictions, his range of punishment is enhanced to 25 to 99 years or life in prison.

Related:

• Court testimony reveals what allegedly led to deadly shooting outside West Side motel in 2021
• Murder trial begins for man accused in 2021 fatal shooting at West Side motel
• SAPD: Video showed suspect fatally shoot man during argument at West Side motel
• Man shot at West Side motel dies from his wounds, police say