San Antonio man found guilty of 2021 murder of veteran helping stranger fix his car Punishment phase underway for Leopoldo Mora
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.
Kenneth Salazar was murdered in 2021 outside a West Side motel. (Copyright 2023 by KSAT - All rights reserved.) 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: Copyright 2023 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
About the Authors Erica Hernandez headshot
Erica Hernandez is an Emmy award-winning journalist with 15 years of experience in the broadcast news business. Erica has covered a wide array of stories all over Central and South Texas. She's currently the court reporter and cohost of the podcast Texas Crime Stories.
Misael Gomez headshot
Misael started at KSAT-TV as a photojournalist in 1987.
2 deputies fatally shoot man after he fires at them during domestic disturbance call, BCSO says ▶ 0:58
2 deputies fatally shoot man after he fires at them during domestic disturbance call, BCSO says
What parents can do to help children stay safe online ▶ 0:56
What parents can do to help children stay safe online
Any dog can be ‘dangerous’ 🐾 ▶ 0:57
Any dog can be ‘dangerous’ 🐾
What to know about holiday travel as AAA projects new record ▶ 0:53
What to know about holiday travel as AAA projects new record
Steele High School student conductor reimagines 'Joy to the World' ▶ 1:51
Steele High School student conductor reimagines 'Joy to the World'
Service members traveling through San Antonio International for the holidays ▶ 1:08
Service members traveling through San Antonio International for the holidays
Salvation Army helps thousands of San Antonio children through Angel Tree program ▶ 0:56
Salvation Army helps thousands of San Antonio children through Angel Tree program
Scams targeting San Antonio seniors on the rise, SAPD says ▶ 0:50
Scams targeting San Antonio seniors on the rise, SAPD says
West Side neighbors rally to replace stolen Christmas tree ▶ 1:52
West Side neighbors rally to replace stolen Christmas tree
Outgoing North East ISD superintendent discusses timing of departure, district’s challenges ahead ▶ 1:14
Outgoing North East ISD superintendent discusses timing of departure, district’s challenges ahead
Atascosa County Sheriff's Office vehicle struck during traffic stop ▶ 0:20
Atascosa County Sheriff's Office vehicle struck during traffic stop
H-E-B, Meals on Wheels preparing for 33rd annual Feast of Sharing this weekend ▶ 1:00
H-E-B, Meals on Wheels preparing for 33rd annual Feast of Sharing this weekend
Habitat for Humanity Kerr County faces delays to repair 12 homes by year’s end ▶ 1:16
Habitat for Humanity Kerr County faces delays to repair 12 homes by year’s end
San Antonio man has reunited more than 200 people with lost class rings nationwide ▶ 1:18
San Antonio man has reunited more than 200 people with lost class rings nationwide
Local businesses launch donation drive for South Side family after fatal crash ▶ 0:45
Local businesses launch donation drive for South Side family after fatal crash
Hill Country camps add flood-warning towers months after deadly July 4 floods ▶ 1:14
Hill Country camps add flood-warning towers months after deadly July 4 floods
Suspected thief stole more than $200K in jewelry from San Antonio businesses, police say ▶ 0:50
Suspected thief stole more than $200K in jewelry from San Antonio businesses, police say
BCSO: Woman scammed out of $36K by caller who instructed her to deposit funds into Bitcoin ATM ▶ 1:55
BCSO: Woman scammed out of $36K by caller who instructed her to deposit funds into Bitcoin ATM
Trinity University, SwRI developing nasal spray treatment to combat PTSD ▶ 0:20
Trinity University, SwRI developing nasal spray treatment to combat PTSD
Credit card skimmers discovered at Circle K near Stone Oak, Hollywood Park police chief says ▶ 1:46
Credit card skimmers discovered at Circle K near Stone Oak, Hollywood Park police chief says
🦍 Congo Falls gorilla exhibit at San Antonio Zoo to open this weekend ▶ 1:47
🦍 Congo Falls gorilla exhibit at San Antonio Zoo to open this weekend
Check out these space heater safety tips ▶ 1:22
Check out these space heater safety tips
Meet the candidates for the Texas Senate race. ▶ 0:50
Meet the candidates for the Texas Senate race.
Prepare to pay a $45 fee to fly if you don't have a Real ID ▶ 0:35
Prepare to pay a $45 fee to fly if you don't have a Real ID
Experience San Antonio’s newest drive-thru Christmas light display “The Light Park” at Wolff Stadium ▶ 1:04
Experience San Antonio’s newest drive-thru Christmas light display “The Light Park” at Wolff Stadium
Previous photo Next photo