Murder trial begins for man accused in 2021 deadly IHOP shooting Alejandro Diaz faces up to life in prison if found guilty
SAN ANTONIO – The murder trial for a man accused in a deadly shooting at West Side IHOP began on Tuesday.
Alejandro Diaz is charged with the death of 44-year-old Kevin Clifton.
According to the state, Diaz and Clifton got into an argument inside the IHOP near Marbach Road on March 13, 2021.
Surveillance footage from the incident showed that Clifton started the fight by hitting Diaz. Clifton then turned toward two women fighting and tried to break them up when Diaz allegedly shot Clifton twice.
In opening statements, the defense told the jury that Diaz was not guilty and it was self-defense as he was protecting himself and his girlfriend
The trial is taking place in the 186th district court with presiding Judge Kristina Escalona.
If found guilty, Diaz faces anywhere from 5 to 99 years or life in prison.
RELATED ON KSAT.COM San Antonio police searching for man wanted in deadly shooting at IHOP
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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.
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