New Braunfels, August 19, 2025
News Summary
A stabbing incident outside the El Flaco Event Center in New Braunfels resulted in one fatality and one arrest. Mario Saldana, 52, was pronounced dead after suffering a stab wound. Authorities arrested David Saldana, 55, who has been charged with murder. The incident occurred during a large disturbance in the early hours, and the investigation is still active as further details about the case continue to unfold.
New Braunfels
One person is dead and a second person has been arrested and charged with murder following a stabbing early Sunday morning in the parking lot of the El Flaco Event Center (formerly Legends Dance Hall) in New Braunfels. The victim, identified as 52-year-old Mario Saldana of San Antonio, suffered an apparent stab wound, was transported to a San Antonio hospital, and was pronounced dead. Authorities arrested 55-year-old David Saldana and charged him with murder.
What happened
The stabbing occurred just after midnight during a reported large disturbance outside the El Flaco Event Center. Emergency responders and law enforcement were called to the parking lot. Evidence and witness statements gathered at the scene led investigators to identify David Saldana as the suspect. He was later located and apprehended at a residence on the 200 block of Gruene Road in New Braunfels.
After his arrest, David Saldana was booked into the Comal County Jail. A judge set bond at $500,000. City officials indicated there is currently no information showing a direct relationship between the victim and the suspect. The investigation remains active and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests or charges as inquiries continue.
Supporting details
Police classified the initial call as a large disturbance involving multiple individuals. Responding officers collected witness statements and on-scene evidence that investigators say helped identify the suspect. The victim was transported to a San Antonio hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officials have confirmed the identities of the victim and the person charged, and the suspect is in custody at the Comal County Jail.
Investigators are continuing to process evidence and are following investigative leads. No further details on motive or sequence of the stabbing have been released. Officials have not released additional identifying personal information beyond names and ages.
Public safety and next steps
Authorities advise anyone with information related to the disturbance or the stabbing to contact local law enforcement. The case will proceed through Comal County courts with the murder charge against David Saldana pending. Investigators have stated that the inquiry remains ongoing and further developments, including possible additional charges or arrests, may occur as more information is gathered.
FAQ
Who was the victim?
The victim was identified as 52-year-old Mario Saldana of San Antonio.
Who was arrested in connection with the stabbing?
Authorities arrested 55-year-old David Saldana and charged him with murder.
Where did the stabbing occur?
The stabbing occurred in the parking lot of the El Flaco Event Center (formerly Legends Dance Hall) in New Braunfels, just after midnight on Sunday.
Was there a relationship between the victim and the suspect?
City officials stated there is currently no information suggesting a direct relationship between the victim and the suspect.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation remains ongoing. Evidence and witness statements helped identify the suspect, and authorities have not ruled out additional arrests or charges.
What happened to the suspect after arrest?
The suspect was located at a residence on the 200 block of Gruene Road, arrested, booked into the Comal County Jail, and a judge set bond at $500,000.
Key case details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | El Flaco Event Center parking lot (formerly Legends Dance Hall), New Braunfels |
| Time | Early Sunday morning, just after midnight |
| Victim | Mario Saldana, 52, San Antonio (deceased) |
| Suspect | David Saldana, 55 (arrested and charged with murder) |
| Arrest location | 200 block of Gruene Road, New Braunfels |
| Booking/Bond | Booked into Comal County Jail; bond set at $500,000 |
| Investigation | Ongoing; evidence and witness statements used to identify suspect; additional arrests possible |
Timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Early Sunday, just after midnight | Large disturbance reported; stabbing reported in the parking lot | Incident reported to police; responders dispatched |
| Shortly after the incident | Victim transported to San Antonio hospital | Victim pronounced dead at hospital |
| Following on-scene investigation | Evidence and witness statements collected identifying a suspect | Investigators gathered information at scene |
| Later Sunday | Suspect located and apprehended at residence on 200 block of Gruene Road | Suspect arrested and booked |
| After arrest | Judge sets bond at $500,000; murder charge filed | Legal proceedings initiated; investigation ongoing |
Case statistics and visual summary
Simple visual representation of the known elements in the case:
Victims: 1 confirmed
Suspects arrested: 1 confirmed
Investigation progress: Known identification and arrest; case remains open
The visual bars above are illustrative representations of confirmed elements: one confirmed fatality, one confirmed suspect arrest, and an investigation that has progressed to arrest but remains ongoing.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT: New Braunfels Police Identifies Victim
- Wikipedia: New Braunfels
- KENS5: San Antonio Man Stabbing
- Google Search: El Flaco Event Center
- CBS Austin: One Dead, One Arrested After Stabbing
- Google Scholar: Murder Investigation
- News 4 San Antonio: Suspect Accused
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder Cases
- Express News: Stabbing Death New Braunfels
- Google News: New Braunfels Stabbing
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.
