San Antonio, August 19, 2025
News Summary
A judge has ordered a 13-year-old boy charged with manslaughter in the accidental shooting death of his 8-year-old brother to be released into his grandmother’s custody under strict court conditions. The shooting, which occurred at their home, resulted in the child’s death. The court has set mandatory counseling, drug testing, and other restrictions to ensure oversight as the case progresses through the juvenile justice system.
San Antonio
13-Year-Old Charged with Manslaughter Released to Grandmother’s Custody Under Strict Court Conditions
A 13-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter in the death of his 8-year-old brother, Daniel Casares, and a judge has ordered the juvenile released into their grandmother’s custody under strict conditions. The shooting occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on July 25 at a home near Bob Billa Street and Wales Avenue. Police described the shooting as accidental and said the younger child was struck in the neck. Daniel Casares was transported to a hospital and later pronounced dead.
Key Case Details
- Accused: A 13-year-old male (name not released because he is a minor).
- Charge: Manslaughter.
- Victim: 8-year-old Daniel Casares, pronounced dead after hospital care.
- Location and time: Home near Bob Billa Street and Wales Avenue, about 4:30 p.m. on July 25.
- Initial police finding: Shooting reported as accidental; firearm discharged while being handled.
- Court action: Judge ruled on Tuesday that the juvenile may be released to his grandmother under court-ordered restrictions.
Conditions of Release
The court imposed several conditions as part of the juvenile’s release to his grandmother’s custody. These conditions are intended to limit risk and ensure oversight while the legal process continues. They include:
- Mandatory counseling.
- Random drug testing.
- A home-and-school curfew requiring the juvenile to remain at home or at school at all times.
- A prohibition on access to firearms and ammunition.
- A ban on contacting witnesses, with an exception allowing contact with his siblings.
- A requirement for consistent school attendance with no unexcused absences.
Legal and Safety Context
The juvenile was formally charged with manslaughter, a decision consistent with the police characterization of the incident as an accidental shooting that caused a fatal injury. The court’s release order reflects common juvenile-court practices that balance public safety and rehabilitation, including supervised custody and mandated services. The youth’s name remains withheld under laws that protect juvenile identities in criminal proceedings.
Additional Related Incident
Separately, law enforcement continues work on a fatal April 16 shooting involving a 14-year-old student identified as Simon Cuevas. An 18-year-old, Fernando Flores, has been charged with capital murder in that case. Two other suspects remain sought in connection with the April incident: a 20-year-old named Caesar Tijerina and an unnamed underage suspect. Police said the April shooting followed an attack in which several individuals followed the teenager home from Brewer Academy, and investigators identified Flores from surveillance footage and public tips.
What Comes Next
The manslaughter case involving the juvenile will proceed through the juvenile justice system. Court-ordered conditions will remain in force while the case moves forward. Investigators and prosecutors may continue to review evidence and determine appropriate next steps under juvenile court procedures. In the separate April case, authorities continue to seek additional suspects and pursue charges against those identified.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Daniel Casares, 8 years old |
| Accused | 13-year-old male (identity protected) |
| Charge | Manslaughter |
| Release Conditions | Counseling, random drug tests, curfew, no firearms, no witness contact (except siblings), school attendance |
| Incident Date | July 25, ~4:30 p.m. |
| Location | Home near Bob Billa Street and Wales Avenue, San Antonio |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| July 25, ~4:30 p.m. | Shooting at residence; 8-year-old struck in neck | Police report |
| July 25 (shortly after) | Victim transported to hospital and later pronounced dead | Medical and police report |
| Following incident | 13-year-old taken into custody; manslaughter charge filed | Prosecutor records |
| Tuesday (court date) | Judge orders release to grandmother with conditions | Juvenile court order |
| April 16 (related case) | Fatal shooting of 14-year-old Simon Cuevas | Separate criminal investigation; capital murder charge filed in later months |
Simple Visual Summary: Case Snapshot
1
1
3 (1 charged, 2 wanted)
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does the 13-year-old face?
The juvenile has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the fatal shooting of his 8-year-old brother.
Why was the juvenile released to his grandmother?
A judge ruled that the juvenile may be released into his grandmother’s custody under strict conditions, intended to provide supervision and support while the case proceeds through the juvenile court system.
What conditions were placed on the juvenile’s release?
Conditions include mandatory counseling, random drug testing, a home-and-school curfew, prohibition on access to firearms and ammunition, a ban on contacting witnesses except siblings, and a requirement for consistent school attendance.
Was the shooting intentional?
Police reported the shooting as accidental, indicating the firearm discharged while being handled.
Who was the victim?
The victim was 8-year-old Daniel Casares, who was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead following the incident.
Is this connected to other recent shootings?
Authorities are separately investigating an April 16 fatal shooting of a 14-year-old, in which one suspect has been charged and two others remain sought. The cases are distinct but noted for context on recent violent incidents under investigation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- News 4 San Antonio
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KSAT
- Google Search: San Antonio shooting
- KENS 5
- Google Scholar: San Antonio crime
- Express News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio
- KSAT
- Google News: San Antonio shooting
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.
