san antonio tx, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The retrial of R.C. Curtis for the 2015 capital murder of Paula Boyd has commenced in San Antonio, following multiple legal delays and new evidence. Curtis is facing serious charges, and prosecutors allege he was involved in the brutal attack on the victim, a 75-year-old H-E-B employee. The trial is expected to last around five days, with significant evidence including DNA links and surveillance footage. The case has garnered attention due to its complex legal history and the relationships involved.
San Antonio — A capital murder retrial for R.C. Curtis began on August 19, 2025 in the 187th District Court, where he faces charges in the 2015 killing of 75-year-old H-E-B employee Paula Boyd. The case has returned to court after multiple legal delays and the emergence of new evidence over several years.
Key facts up front
The prosecution alleges that Curtis beat, strangled, and sexually assaulted Boyd in her San Antonio apartment. Boyd was found dead on October 21, 2015, after a welfare check when she failed to show up for work. Authorities reported no signs of forced entry at the apartment. Surveillance footage captured a man identified as Curtis attempting to use Boyd’s debit card at a gas station the day after her death. Curtis initially was arrested for credit card abuse and was formally charged with capital murder in March 2016 after a DNA match tied him to evidence at the scene.
Why the retrial is happening now
The case has a long procedural history. An original trial in November 2021 ended in a mistrial after prosecutors disclosed new evidence late in the proceedings, including material pointing to potential alternative suspects. About a month after that mistrial, additional blood evidence from the medical examiner’s office surfaced. A defense appeal arguing double jeopardy was denied in 2024, clearing the way for a new trial. Further delays occurred when new data from Boyd’s cellphone was discovered just days before jury selection in 2021. Judge Stephanie Boyd ordered weekly hearings to allow both sides and the lead detective to review the evidence. The review process was completed in March 2025, and the retrial was scheduled for August 19, 2025.
Court process and participants
The retrial is being heard by Judge Stephanie Boyd in the 187th District Court. Prosecutors have said they are not seeking the death penalty; if Curtis is convicted of capital murder, he faces life in prison without parole. The trial is expected to last around five days and will be live-streamed on multiple digital platforms. Two other men — Frank Hernandez Jr. and David Rocha — have been implicated in the case related to the use of Boyd’s stolen cards. Hernandez was arrested, while Rocha remains at large and is the subject of a warrant.
Evidence and investigative timeline
Investigators have pointed to a DNA match that linked Curtis to evidence at Boyd’s apartment. The record shows surveillance capturing alleged misuse of Boyd’s debit card, the discovery of additional blood evidence after the 2021 mistrial, and late-arriving cellphone data that prompted further review. Police reports noted no forced entry, and the initial arrest for card abuse led to the more serious capital murder charge once DNA results were available.
Current status
The retrial opened as scheduled. Routine pretrial steps ordered by the judge — including weekly evidence reviews and participation from the lead detective — were completed before the trial start. Court officials expect the proceedings to take approximately five business days unless further legal developments occur.
Context and background
At the time of Boyd’s death, Curtis was married to Boyd’s granddaughter. Boyd was a longtime employee of a local grocery chain. The case has drawn attention because of the age of the victim, the relationship between the accused and the family, and the repeated discoveries of new or previously undisclosed evidence that have delayed resolution. Since the death occurred in 2015, the legal process has included arrests, forensic testing, a mistrial, appellate rulings, additional forensic discoveries, and renewed pretrial review.
What to watch during the retrial
- Presentation and handling of DNA and blood evidence that linked Curtis to the scene.
- Disclosure and admissibility of the cellphone data and when it was discovered.
- Testimony from investigators and any forensic experts about the additional blood evidence.
- Any developments related to the two other men implicated in the case, particularly the status of the outstanding warrant for David Rocha.
- Length of the trial and whether any unexpected procedural issues arise.
FAQ
Who is on trial?
The defendant on trial is R.C. Curtis, charged with the 2015 capital murder of Paula Boyd.
When did the retrial begin?
The retrial began on August 19, 2025.
What are the charges?
The charge is capital murder related to the 2015 death of 75-year-old Paula Boyd.
What evidence links Curtis to the crime?
Prosecutors cite a DNA match to evidence at the scene, surveillance footage showing attempted use of Boyd’s debit card, additional blood evidence, and cellphone data discovered during later review.
Were other people implicated?
Two other men, Frank Hernandez Jr. and David Rocha, were implicated in transactions involving Boyd’s stolen cards; Hernandez was arrested and Rocha has an outstanding warrant.
Why was there a mistrial in 2021?
The November 2021 trial ended in a mistrial after prosecutors revealed new evidence late in the proceedings that included material suggesting alternative suspects.
Is the death penalty being sought?
No. Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty; if convicted, Curtis faces life in prison without parole.
Who is presiding over the trial?
The trial is being presided over by Judge Stephanie Boyd in the 187th District Court.
Will the trial be available to watch?
The trial will be live-streamed on multiple digital platforms.
Key case features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Defendant | R.C. Curtis |
| Victim | Paula Boyd, 75-year-old H-E-B employee |
| Charge | Capital murder |
| Court | 187th District Court, San Antonio |
| Presiding judge | Judge Stephanie Boyd |
| Retrial start date | August 19, 2025 |
| Potential sentence | Life in prison without parole (death penalty not sought) |
| Expected trial length | About five days |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| October 21, 2015 | Paula Boyd found dead during a welfare check | Police reports |
| Day after death, October 2015 | Surveillance footage shows Curtis attempting to use Boyd’s debit card | Police evidence |
| March 2016 | Curtis charged with capital murder after DNA matched crime scene evidence | Prosecutor filings |
| November 2021 | Original trial ends in mistrial after late disclosure of new evidence | Court proceedings |
| December 2021 | Additional blood evidence surfaces from the medical examiner | Medical examiner records |
| 2021 (days before jury selection) | New cellphone evidence discovered, causing further delays | Court filings |
| 2024 | Defense appeal claiming double jeopardy denied | Appeals court records |
| March 2025 | Judge orders completion of evidence review; review finished | Judge’s orders |
| August 19, 2025 | Retrial begins in 187th District Court | Court schedule |
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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
R.C. Curtis Faces Retrial for Capital Murder in San Antonio
City Employee Charged with Child Abuse in San Antonio
San Antonio Parents of Alleged Teen Killer Face Trial
San Antonio Shocks the Nation: A Gripping Tale of Betrayal and Violence
Additional Resources
- KSAT: Open Court – Decade-old San Antonio Murder Case
- Wikipedia: Retrial
- Express News: RC Curtis HEB Murder Trial
- Google Search: Paula Boyd Murder Trial
- KSAT: Long Delayed San Antonio Capital Murder Retrial
- Google Scholar: Capital Murder Retrial
- Express News: Trial Delayed – Murder of HEB Employee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Evidence Law
- KSAT: Missteps and Delays in Paula Boyd’s Trial
- Google News: RC Curtis Trial
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
