This week, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down 267 felony indictments.
Kristopher Anthony Espinoza is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on Nov. 21, 2020, Espinoza intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Cecilio Soria by shooting Soria with a deadly weapon (firearm). This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 386th District Court. Murder is a first degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000.
Jose Parada is charged with manslaughter. The indictment alleges that on Sep. 21, 2020, Parada recklessly caused the death of Michael Cepeda by discharging a deadly weapon (firearm) at and in the direction of Cepeda. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 187th District Court. Manslaughter is a second degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000.
Elena Mae Carranza is facing multiple charges in connection with a single incident on Jan. 3, 2021. Two separate indictments charge Carranza with intoxication manslaughter for operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated and causing the deaths of Susan and Craig Smith by accident or mistake by Carranza driving the motor vehicle into another motor vehicle occupied by The Smiths. A third indictment charges Carranza with intoxication assault for operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated and causing serious bodily injury to Bianca Smith by accident or mistake, by Carranza driving the motor vehicle into another motor vehicle occupied by Smith. A fourth two-count indictment charges Carranza with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for using a deadly weapon (motor vehicle), that in the manner of its use and intended use was capable of causing death and serious bodily injury, and that Carranza did recklessly cause bodily injury to Craig Smith Jr. and Lucrezia Smith by driving the motor vehicle at a speed that was not reasonable and prudent under the circumstances then existing and/or by failing to keep a proper lookout and/or by operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or by failing to take necessary and proper evasive action to avoid driving the motor vehicle into a motor vehicle occupied by The Smiths. These cases are being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 437th District Court. Intoxication manslaughter is a second degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. A person charged by indictment is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a jury or a judge. Because these and potentially other cases are either pending or may be under investigation, we can make no further comment on them.
Copies of indictments may be requested from the Bexar County District Clerk. Information on court settings can be found by searching the case online or directly from the court.