Stephen Clare made a court appearance on June 27, 2025. (KSAT)
BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – A Bexar County judge agreed to delay the trial of a man accused of brutally attacking his ex-wife and young daughters.
Stephen Clare is accused of shooting Mariah Gardner and stabbing his daughters, Rosalie and Willow Gardner, back in April 2023.
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Willow, who was 11 months old, didn’t survive her injuries.
Clare appeared in court on Friday morning. Judge Joel Perez of the 437th Criminal District Court will preside over his case.
During Friday’s hearing, Perez noted that Clare’s trial was set to begin with jury selection on Sept. 5. However, citing a scheduling conflict, Perez told the prosecution and defense that Clare’s tentative trial start date would be moved back to early 2026.
A firm start date is unclear at this time.
If found guilty, Clare could face the death penalty.
Nate Kotisso joined KSAT as a digital journalist in 2024. He previously worked as a newspaper reporter in the Rio Grande Valley for more than two years and spent nearly three years as a digital producer at the CBS station in Oklahoma City.
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.