Nicholas Bautista, a 37-year-old Hispanic male, was tragically shot and killed on October 28, 2018, in Pasadena, Texas. The incident occurred outside his home on Wafer Street, where he was with his girlfriend, Elizabeth Patlan. Bautista was confronted by Oscar Aristides Garcia, the owner of a Pasadena transmission-repair shop, who mistakenly believed Bautista was a thief stealing pickup tailgates from his shop.
Garcia, armed with a shotgun, followed Bautista and his girlfriend from a restaurant to their home, where he confronted Bautista in Spanish. Bautista, who did not speak Spanish, attempted to walk away and call the police, but Garcia shot him in the back, killing him instantly.
Following the shooting, Garcia fled the scene and attempted to cover up his crime. He destroyed security camera recordings from his shop and a nearby taqueria that captured him following Bautista. Garcia then fled to his native El Salvador, leaving behind his pregnant wife and three children. He later sent for his family to join him in El Salvador. After more than two years, Garcia returned to the United States and was arrested by U.S. marshals.
In January 2023, Garcia was sentenced to 35 years in prison after pleading guilty to Bautista's murder. The Harris County District Attorney's Office announced the sentencing, stating that Garcia deserved to spend decades in prison for the pain he caused. Prosecutors had initially sought a 50-year sentence, while Garcia's defense team argued for 15 years. The court ultimately decided on a 35-year sentence, with credit for 776 days already served in jail.
The Bautista family expressed their hope for justice and closure following Garcia's sentencing. They described Nicholas Bautista as a passionate Houston sports fan, a music lover, and a dedicated employee at SMC Industries' Houston plant, where he worked as a maintenance technician specializing in electrical work. His sister, Cordelia Orozco, shared fond memories of her brother, emphasizing his loyalty and love for his family and friends.
