URGENT UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, charges against the four suspects arrested in connection with the death of 14-year-old Simon Cuevas have been downgraded from capital murder to third-degree felony assault. This shocking development raises serious questions about the evidence and investigation surrounding this tragic case.
On April 16, 2023, Simon Cuevas was tragically beaten and shot just moments after leaving the San Antonio Independent School District’s Brewer Academy. Surveillance footage captured a group of five individuals following him as he exited the school, leading to a brutal attack at the corner of Elmendorf Street and Merida Street.
Authorities originally charged all five suspects with capital murder, but recent revelations confirm that these charges have been significantly downgraded. The suspects, including Fernando Flores and Andrew Cantu, both 18 years old, now face a felony charge for injury to a child with bodily injury. Two younger suspects, aged 14 and 15, were sentenced on November 6 to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department based on their behavior.
Local defense attorney Karl Alexander, who is not involved in the case, explained the possible reasons for the downgrade. “Unfortunately, I don’t have the benefit of viewing all of the evidence in this case,” he stated. “There are multiple ways in which this can happen. Often, people don’t really understand that.”
Alexander highlighted several factors, including the possibility that police may have acted prematurely in making arrests. “There’s a public safety concern; you have to react and make an arrest,” he noted. “As the investigation unfolds, you realize that perhaps we jumped to a conclusion.”
Another potential issue is the quality of the evidence. “If the district attorney’s office cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that it was an intentional killing, that’s a significant hurdle,” Alexander added. He also pointed out that a lack of cooperation or testimony from witnesses could impede the prosecution’s case.
The community is reeling from this development, which has left many feeling frustrated and confused. Families and friends of Simon Cuevas are left grappling with the implications of these downgraded charges, as they seek justice for a life cut tragically short.
This case remains under intense scrutiny, with many eager to understand what will happen next. The legal proceedings for the suspects continue, and authorities will provide updates as more information comes to light.
The families affected by this tragedy are hoping for clarity and closure in the coming days. As the investigation continues, the community’s calls for justice grow louder.
For ongoing coverage and updates on this developing story, stay tuned to KSAT.com.
