A man accused of fatally shooting a 15-year-old last year was beaten by members of the teen’s family during a courtroom melee in San Antonio, authorities said.
Victor Rivas, 18, who is charged with murder in the May 2022 death of Ethan Soto, was in a Bexar County courtroom Friday awaiting a preliminary hearing when he was attacked.
Rivas’ attorney, Adam LaHood, said his client was “going to be bruised and swollen” but was not otherwise injured.
Four people — two men and two juveniles — were arrested and will be charged with assault and disrupting court proceedings, the Bexar County sheriff’s office said. Their names haven’t been released.
This is an excellent opportunity for potential jurors in the area to learn about valid situations to exercise the right of jury nullification. A smart DA would plead this way down to some misdemeanor resulting in community service.
Why? He’s already pleaded guilty. And he should go to prison for murder. And his attackers should go to prison for assault.