On September 30, 2023, at approximately 2 a.m., San Marcos Police responded to reports of gunfire at the Mission Trail apartment complex on Highway 123 in San Marcos, Texas. Upon arrival, officers discovered 41-year-old Nathaniel Hudson deceased inside an apartment unit, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Evidence at the scene, including visible bullet holes in the dining area and several shell casings, indicated that Hudson had been shot multiple times at close range.
Investigations revealed that Hudson was in a relationship with the mother of the suspect, 18-year-old Ray Robert Saenz Jr. The fatal encounter reportedly stemmed from a verbal dispute between Hudson and Saenz, possibly initiated by a comment Hudson made about Saenz's mother. Authorities believe that the altercation escalated, leading Saenz to shoot Hudson from a distance of 10 to 15 feet.
Following the incident, Saenz fled the scene. An anonymous tip later indicated that he had confessed to the shooting in a group setting at a different apartment complex. On October 10, 2023, after a brief foot pursuit, members of the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force apprehended Saenz in Austin, Texas, on East Cesar Chavez Street. He was subsequently booked into the Hays County Jail on a murder charge, with a bond set at $750,000.
Nathaniel Hudson was remembered by his family as a loving son, brother, and father of eight children. His mother, Sheree Hudson, expressed profound grief over the loss, emphasizing the void left in their lives. She also extended a message of forgiveness towards Saenz, acknowledging his young age and the life of incarceration he now faces, while calling for justice for her son.
Court records indicate that prior to this incident, Saenz had been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. As of now, he remains in custody, awaiting trial for the murder of Nathaniel Hudson. The case has brought attention to issues of domestic violence and gun-related crimes within the community, prompting discussions on preventive measures and support for affected families.
