On September 4, 2020, 16-year-old Sabstein Diaz was shot and killed while sitting in a stolen vehicle at The Estates at Northwest Henderson Pass in San Antonio, TX. Diaz, a Hispanic male, was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m., when a group of four men, including Diaz, were in the stolen vehicle.
Two men approached the vehicle, began arguing with the occupants, and then opened fire.
Following the shooting, San Antonio Police Department launched an investigation and requested the public's help in identifying persons of interest. The investigation led to the arrests of Julian Vera, 20, and Mario Duarte, 17, who were charged with murder. According to court records, Diaz had driven to the apartment complex after being directed to the location by an unknown person through a social media app. He was there to sell THC cartridges. When the suspects approached the vehicle, they discussed paying for the cartridges using a "phone pay" app, but then pulled out guns and began shooting.
During the trial, surveillance video footage was shown to the jury, capturing the moments Duarte and Vera approached the SUV driven by Diaz. The footage showed Duarte and Vera running away shortly after the shooting, while Diaz exited the vehicle and collapsed. The defense argued that Duarte and Vera were acting in self-defense, claiming they feared for their lives. However, the jury found Duarte not guilty of murder, leaving his cousin Julian Vera still awaiting trial.
Diaz's family expressed their disappointment and heartbreak over the verdict, stating that they believe justice was not served. Despite the acquittal, Duarte still faces a separate aggravated robbery charge. The case remains a tragic reminder of the impact of gun violence on young lives and the complexities of the legal system in seeking justice for victims and their families.
