Months before defending his own car allowance, DA Gonzales suspended investigator over use of take-home vehicle
An investigator with the Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office was handed a 10-day suspension late last year after using his take-home vehicle to work an off-duty job in Uvalde, discipline records obtained this month by KSAT Investigates show.
Monday hearing will likely determine fate of voter registration outreach program in Bexar County
A hearing scheduled for Monday in San Antonio civil district court will likely determine the fate of a targeted voter registration program approved by county commissioners less than two weeks ago.
Paxtonโs efforts to block Bexar County voter registration program takes center stage at court hearing Monday
Bexar County and the Texas Attorney Generalโs Office will face off in court Monday at a hearing regarding a voter registration program.
Bexar County DA dismisses trafficking case months after defense attorney accused prosecutors of being untruthful
The Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office on Wednesday dismissed a felony trafficking case against a defendant whose attorney argued in court this year that prosecutors were untruthful in their handling of the case.
Judge denies special prosecutorsโ replacement request in case against man accused of beating infant son
A man charged in two high-profile cases was back in court as a judge denied special prosecutorsโ request to remove themselves in his ongoing felony cases.
Appeals court grants retrial for man previously sentenced to 99 years for injury to a child
A man who was sentenced to 99 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of injury to a child had his case overturned by an appeals court, granting him a new trial.
San Antonio attorney cleared of criminal wrongdoing after series of dismissals
A San Antonio attorney arrested three times in 11 months has been cleared of criminal wrongdoing after a series of dismissals in his cases, court records provided by the attorney and gathered by KSAT show.
โJustice system does not protect victimsโ: Woman says prosecutors werenโt ready for trial in harassment case
A San Antonio woman said the Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office was unprepared for trial this spring, allowing her ex-husband to be quickly found not guilty of harassment.
Bexar County DA Gonzales defends $9K per year car allowance, despite routinely being driven by security detail
The allowance, which amounts to around $750 a month, has been in place since Gonzales took office in 2019, meaning he has collected around $50,000 since being sworn in nearly five and a half years ago, records show.
Prosecutors dismiss remaining charge against ex-SAPD officer in latest setback for DAโs Civil Rights Division
The dismissal of the assault causing bodily injury charge against Carlos Castro is the latest setback for the Bexar County District Attorney Officeโs Civil Rights Division, which was created in 2020 to investigate shootings and possible uses of excessive force by law enforcement officers.
Man accused of letting dog bite other man in neck during argument indicted 8 months after attack
Marcus Davila, 40, has been formally charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and attack by dog with serious bodily injury.
Appeal in child abuse case delays capital murder trial of man accused of killing infant
A man found guilty and sentenced to 99 years in prison for severely beating his son is now awaiting to go to trial on a separate charge of capital murder of a child under 10.
Teen killed at Market Square Fiesta event was out on bond, had 5 pending warrants, extensive criminal record
A teenager killed in a shooting at a Fiesta event at Historic Market Square late Saturday night had an extensive criminal record, five pending warrants and was out on bond for three other charges, according to court records obtained by KSAT Investigates.
Man sentenced to life in prison for killing 56-year-old woman in March 2022
A Bexar County jury on Thursday sentenced a 52-year-old man convicted of murder in the shooting death of a 56-year-old woman in March 2022.
Records: Misdemeanor family violence dismissals reach 80% in Bexar County
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales this week announced changes to how his office will prosecute misdemeanor family violence matters after internal records obtained by KSAT Investigates showed the dismissal rate for these type of cases had reached 80%.
Bexar County district attorney to get outside legal counsel for possible challenge against Texas attorney general
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales is getting ready for a potential legal battle against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Bexar County DAโs Office to recuse itself from pending Erik Cantu cases
The Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office announced on Monday that it will be recusing itself from Erik Cantuโs evading arrest cases.
Records: Wren Collective behind controversial Portland protest policy
The controversial policy that led to hundreds of criminal charges being dismissed against protesters in Portland, Oregon in 2020 was introduced by the district attorney there less than three weeks after he was provided a copy of it by the Wren Collective, federal court records obtained by KSAT Investigates show.
Attorney: Bexar County DAโs office untruthful about dismissing DWI for witnessesโ testimony in trafficking case
A longtime San Antonio defense attorney has accused the Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office of being untruthful about its decision to dismiss a DWI charge against a victim in a human trafficking case.
Judge denies motion for change of venue in case of former SAPD officer James Brennand
Nearly two weeks after attorneys argued whether the case of former SAPD officer James Brennand should be moved to another county or stay in Bexar County, a judge is ready to announce her ruling.
โItโs a startโ: SA police union supports proposed rule calling for oversight of large county district attorneys
The Attorney Generalโs proposed rule could affect the Bexar County District Attorneyโs office, which has been scrutinized for its handling of violent crime cases.
โBurdensome and unnecessaryโ: Bexar County DA responds to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtonโs proposed rule
A proposed rule by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton would allow him to remove some DA's who do not provide additional reporting on certain cases.
Chief investigator for the Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office resigns
The chief criminal investigator for the Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office has resigned, effective Friday, a county human resources official confirmed to KSAT.
Ex-SAPD officer Brennand no longer facing attempted murder charge after reindictment
A fired San Antonio police officer accused of shooting a teenager in a moving vehicle outside a North Side McDonaldโs in 2022 no longer faces an attempted murder charge in connection to the case, court records obtained this week by KSAT Investigates show.
Judge to issue ruling on change-of-venue in case of a former SAPD officer James Brennand at a later date
Earlier this week the state was ordered to turn over conversations between Wren Collective and DA's Office about the case.
Judge orders DAโs office to turn over communications with Wren Collective to defense in James Brennand case
Two high-profile defendants will have hearings in the same courtroom Monday.
Two high-profile cases have back-to-back hearings in same courtroom โ Stephen Clare, James Brennand in court on Monday
Two high-profile defendants will have hearings in the same courtroom Monday.
Emails reveal Wren Collective had hands in more than just โmessagingโ in Bexar Co. DAโs Office
More than 400 pages of emails between DA Joe Gonzales and Wren Collective show conversations about policy and SAPD Chief William McManus.
Bexar County DA seeks to quash subpoena for communications with Wren Collective
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales is asking a judge to quash a subpoena requiring him to turn over all communications between his office and the Austin-based criminal justice reform group the Wren Collective.
Motions accuse DAโs Civil Rights Division of โintentional misconductโ in officer mistrials
Attorneys for three former San Antonio police officers accused of committing crimes while on duty have accused the Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office Civil Rights Division of intentionally concealing evidence that would have set their clients free, court records obtained by KSAT Investigates show.
Bexar County DA Gonzales says prosecutors have cut indictment backlog by 11 percent
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales updated county commissioners on the progress made by the High Risk Intake Team on Tuesday.
Bexar County commissioner questions district attorney on Wren Collective relationship
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales was questioned about his dealings with the Wren Collective, a third-party criminal justice reform group, during a meeting Tuesday.
Did DA Joe Gonzales violate campaign finance laws through relationship with Wren Collective? Expert weighs in.
Gonzales did not disclose campaign advice from Wren Collective on campaign finance reports.
DA Joe Gonzales attempting to block release of communications with D.C. law firm recommended by Wren Collective
The Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office this week asked the state attorney general to allow it to withhold all communications between District Attorney Joe Gonzales, his first assistant and a Washington, D.C. law firm recommended to Gonzales by the founder of the Wren Collective.
Sources: Ex-SAPD officer James Brennand subdues suspect in vehicle burglary case
A fired San Antonio police officer awaiting trial for the 2022 shooting of a teenager subdued a suspect accused of breaking into a vehicle outside of a West Side tool shop late last month, multiple sources told KSAT Investigates.
Sources: Bexar County District Attorney holds meeting to explain relationship with Wren Collective
Sources tell KSAT Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales held an all-staff meeting this week to address reports and explain the relationship with the Austin-based criminal justice reform group.
Judge orders hearing to determine if DAโs Office, Wren Collective conversations relevant in ex-SAPD officerโs case
Subpoena filed ordering DA to hand over all communications between his staff and Wren Collective about high-profile 2022 shooting of teen by SAPD officer.
Northside ISD trustee enters pretrial diversion program in DWI case
A Northside Independent School District trustee arrested last fall on suspicion of driving while intoxicated has entered a pretrial diversion program in the case, Bexar County court records confirm.
All communications between DA Joe Gonzales, Wren Collective subpoenaed in SAPD shooting case
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales was ordered Tuesday to hand over all communications between his staff and the Wren Collective about the high-profile 2022 shooting of a teenager by a San Antonio police officer, court records obtained by KSAT Investigates show.
Sheriff Salazar distances himself from DA Gonzales after Wren Collective conversations become public
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar this week distanced himself from Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales, asking the fellow elected official to โrespect attorney-client privilegeโ moving forward.
โVery concerningโ: Former prosecutor exposes troubling discussions between DAโs office, Wren Collective
Attorney Meredith Chacon explains potential fallout in conversations had by DAโs Office and criminal justice reform group.
Political interest groups having greater influence on criminal justice leaders, law expert says
Thereโs been a trend of district attorney offices influenced by political groups and nonprofits, according to a law professor at Texas A&M University School of Law.
What we know about the Wren Collective
The Wren Collective, the Texas group that has wielded significant influence on Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales during his time in office, operates under the umbrella of a California non-profit, records obtained Wednesday by KSAT Investigates show.
Take a closer look at the conversations between Bexar County DAโs Office & criminal justice reform group
KSATโs discovery of hundreds of emails and text messages between the Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office and an Austin-based criminal justice reform group has revealed just how much of an influence the group had on the DA.
Criminal justice reform group wields significant influence on DA Joe Gonzales, text records show
What started as a news tip has led to the discovery of hundreds of emails and text messages between the Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office and an Ausitn-based criminal justice reform group.
Bexar County District Attorney spends nearly $50k on public safety campaign, records show
The Bexar County District Attorney spent $49,500 on a holiday public safety campaign, according to records obtained by KSAT.
Law enforcement leaders stress securing firearms as more than 3,100 guns reported stolen in San Antonio area last year
Law enforcement leaders in Bexar County and federal authorities are asking gun owners to secure their firearms due to the prevalence of gun thefts in the San Antonio area โ specifically from vehicles.
โWould I have to be dead?โ: Domestic violence victim questions DA plea deal that gave attacker no jail time
A San Antonio woman severely beaten by her boyfriend inside his East Side apartment said she has been let down by the criminal justice system after her attacker was given a plea deal that included no jail time.
Gun used to kill Savanah Soto, Matthew Guerra recovered at suspectโs home; another suspect โpossible,โ police say
The gun that was believed to have been used to shoot and kill Savanah Soto and Matthew Guerra was recovered at the home of the two suspects charged in the case, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said.
โWeโve had a successful yearโ: Bexar County District Attorney reflects on year of controversy
It was a year of ups and downs for the Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office in 2023.
KSAT Investigates year in review: From DA discord to Texas prison lockdowns
Public safety and the well-being of loved ones were two issues of great importance in the San Antonio community in 2023 and the driving forces behind much of the reporting from KSAT Investigates this year.
3 SAPD officers indicted in shooting death of Melissa Perez
Three San Antonio Police Department officers were indicted by a grand jury Thursday, nearly six months after the shooting death of a 46-year-old woman inside her Southwest Side apartment.
DAโs office denied removal of children from home before baby was burned, injected with meth, state rep says
โIโm very frustrated.โ State Rep John Lujan said he is looking into it
More than 6,000 criminal cases dismissed by DAโs office in 3 months, county report shows
On average, Gonzales dismisses 45.7% more cases than former DA Nico LaHood, according to a KSAT analysis of quarterly county reports.
Man sentenced to 30 years in prison for killing remodeling subcontractor at North Side apartment complex
A judge sentenced a man to 30 years in prison for killing a remodeling subcontractor.
San Antonio Police Officersโ Association takes aim at district attorney in new โDA Chroniclesโ videos
SAPOA has released two videos highlighting what they say are missteps by the District Attorney.
Better communication, improved technology among public safety recommendations from district court judge
KSAT 12 has gotten the first look at some recommendations to improve public safety from Bexar County and San Antonioโs top police and court officials.
DA Gonzales plans to cut indictment backlog by one-third, despite staffing problems
Bexar County Commissioners agreed Tuesday to allow Gonzales to spend $295,000 in unused funding for six vacant positions to pay prosecutors who volunteer for extra work preparing cases for a grand jury. The so-called โHigh Risk Intake Teamโ would focus on violent crimes, repeat offenders, and cases specifically highlighted by police or prosecutors.
Attorneys seek change of venue for trial of former SAPD officer who shot teen outside McDonaldโs
Attorneys for former San Antonio Police Officer James Brennand have filed a motion seeking a change of venue in his upcoming trial.
โI want answersโ: Family of slain teen angry DAโs office didnโt tell them defendants were in court, sentenced
The family of a teen murdered last year is frustrated about the lack of updates from the Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office.
How does the criminal justice system work? KSAT Explains
Recent tensions between the San Antonio Police Department and the Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office sparked by the shooting of six SAPD officers within a two-week span while in pursuit of suspects triggered this KSAT Explains.
DAโs office looking into โtechnical issueโ that delayed indictment in a 2022 child death case
KSAT reporting may have helped the Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office uncover what theyโre calling a technical issue that delayed indictments in a child death case for more than a year.
DAโs office recommended low bonds for man accused of being โready for warโ with Universal City police
A Bexar County assistant district attorney recommended low bonds for a man accused of threatening to kill a Universal City family and get in a shootout with police, footage obtained by KSAT Investigates shows.
VIDEO: Bodycam captures moment man was fatally shot after opening fire on drivers, police
San Antonio police have released body camera video capturing the moment a man was fatally shot after he shot an officer and opened fire on drivers on an East Side Highway.
Despite some pretrial diversion failures, Bexar County DA touts expanded program
Bexar County defendants given pretrial diversion repeatedly reoffended after landing dismissals, or in some instances, had their cases reopened after failing to complete the program, data analyzed by KSAT Investigates shows.
SAPD chief responds to โmishandled evidenceโ allegation made to a murder victimโs family by DAโs office
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus reacted Wednesday to an allegation of mishandled evidence made by the Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office.
Bexar County DA, SAPD Chief discuss crime issues with District 7 community members
The San Antonio District 7 Crime Safety Townhall meeting on Thursday was well attended. Those in attendance were much calmer than an earlier meeting this week.
Thousands of cases remain unindicted by Bexar County District Attorneyโs Office
An open records request shows that 5,714 cases between 2022 and 2023 are awaiting indictments by the Bexar County District Attorney's Office.
Texasโ constitutional carry law impacts highlighted during District 4 Public Safety town hall
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales spoke about the consequences of Texas' constitutional carry law during a public safety town hall.
Bexar County taxpayers set to give DAโs office over $52 million in proposed 2024 budget
Bexar County Commissioners are set to vote in the upcoming 2024 fiscal year budget, The DA's office is asking for more than $52 million, which includes pay raises and new positions.
Recent police shootings in San Antonio โmay be an anomaly,โ Criminology professor says
Unusual. Thatโs how a criminology professor describes the string of shootings of San Antonio police officers.
โIโve never seen thisโ: Bexar County district attorney says string of police shootings couldnโt have been predicted
The back and forth between Bexar County leaders continue after the recent string of police shootings in the last two weeks.
District 4 hosts public safety town hall following string of shootings involving SAPD officers
Following five police shootings in the past two weeks, District 4 Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia plans to host a public safety town hall with San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
โSAPDโs job to search for himโ: Bexar County DA responds to chiefโs comments after officer shot by wanted man
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales and San Antonio Police Chief William McManus are it once again -- putting the blame on the otherโs agency following another police shooting involving a wanted suspect.
DAโs office says SAPD behind delay in suspected cop shooterโs old cases
Jesse Garcia is accused of shooting three San Antonio Police officers. The police chief has questioned why some of Garcia's previous criminal cases were dragging, the Bexar County District Attorney's Office says the delays were due to SAPD.
US Rep. Chip Roy latest to criticize Bexar County DA over police shootings involving โhabitual offendersโ
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy of San Antonio is the latest critic of Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales.
After rash of violence against SAPD officers, union president calls on DA Gonzales to resign
Danny Diaz told KSAT Investigates in an interview Thursday that Gonzales โabsolutelyโ should resign from office amid growing criticism of how the DAโs office prosecutes defendants.
District Attorney addresses criticism from SAPD chief, SAPOA about โhabitual offendersโ on the streets
District Attorney Joe Gonzales held a press conference Wednesday evening to address criticism from SAPD Chief William McManus about โhabitual offendersโ on the streets.
Man charged with shooting 3 SAPD officers to be held without bond after hearing
A man accused of shooting three San Antonio police officers and firing at an untold number more has been ordered to be held in jail without bond after a hearing Wednesday in the 437th District Court.
Booze-filled gift baskets, lottery tickets auctioned off by District Clerkโs office in county building
For one week this month, anyone walking through the basement between the Paul Elizondo Tower and the Bexar County Justice Center passed by large gift baskets on display as part of a silent auction.
WATCH LIVE: Bexar County DA issues statement regarding police shooting suspect
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales will issue a statement Friday on the status of criminal cases regarding Jesse Garcia, who is charged in the shooting of two San Antonio Police officers.
Man receives 20-year sentence for theft, money laundering, Bexar County DAโs office says
A self-proclaimed โHollywood insiderโ from San Antonio was sentenced to 20 years in a Bexar County court for theft and money laundering of over $300,000.