San Antonio, August 19, 2025
News Summary
R.C. Curtis is set to face a retrial on capital murder charges related to the 2015 death of 75-year-old Paula Boyd. The trial will commence in August, following numerous delays and new evidence discoveries. Prosecutors allege Curtis murdered Boyd while he was married to her granddaughter, and if convicted, he could face life in prison without parole. The original trial ended in mistrial due to late evidence revelations. The case has sparked significant public interest due to its complexity and procedural history.
San Antonio
R.C. Curtis Faces Capital Murder Retrial in the 2015 Killing of Paula Boyd
What happened: A retrial for R.C. Curtis on a capital murder charge begins on August 19, 2025, nearly a decade after 75-year-old Paula Boyd was found dead in her apartment on October 21, 2015. Prosecutors accuse Curtis of beating, strangling, and sexually assaulting Boyd. If convicted, Curtis faces a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole, as prosecutors have chosen not to seek the death penalty.
Who is involved: Curtis was married to Boyd’s granddaughter at the time of the killing. Two other men have been connected to the case in relation to using Boyd’s stolen cards: Frank Hernandez Jr., who has been arrested, and David Rocha, who remains wanted. Curtis was initially arrested for credit card abuse after attempting to use Boyd’s debit card the day after her death. In March 2016, authorities charged Curtis with capital murder after his DNA was reported to match evidence found at the crime scene.
Why the case has taken years to reach retrial: The prosecution’s case and trial schedule have been affected by multiple delays and the discovery of new evidence over the years. The first trial in November 2021 ended in a mistrial after late revelations of new evidence, including DVDs that suggested alternative suspects. One month after that mistrial, new blood evidence was reported to have emerged from the medical examiner’s office. A defense appeal citing double jeopardy was denied in 2024. A retrial was initially scheduled for December 2024 but was delayed due to new evidence discovered from Boyd’s cellphone just prior to jury selection. A judge later ordered weekly hearings to review all evidence, allowing the retrial to proceed in August 2025.
How to follow the trial:
The trial will be streamed live on multiple digital platforms run by a local broadcaster, including specified web and online video channels, providing continuous coverage during court hours.
Evidence and procedural history
- Victim discovered dead in apartment: October 21, 2015.
- Initial arrest for credit/debit card abuse: the day after the death.
- Capital murder charge filed: March 2016, based on DNA matches to evidence.
- Original trial: November 2021, ended in a mistrial due to late-discovered evidence (including DVDs).
- New blood evidence reported one month after the mistrial.
- Appeal alleging double jeopardy denied in 2024.
- Retrial initially set for December 2024, delayed after new cellphone evidence surfaced just before jury selection.
- Judge ordered weekly evidentiary hearings; retrial now set to begin August 19, 2025.
Current legal stakes
The charge is capital murder, but prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty. A conviction would result in a mandatory life term with no possibility of parole. The defense has pursued appeals and motions over evidence and double jeopardy claims; courts have denied the double jeopardy appeal and allowed the retrial to proceed after evidentiary review.
Background on the victim
Paula Boyd was 75 at the time of her death and was known locally as a long-time employee of a major grocery chain. Her death and the subsequent legal proceedings have remained in the public record for years because of the criminal allegations, the involvement of family relationships, and repeated new discoveries of evidence that have affected trial scheduling.
Ongoing aspects to watch
- Opening of the retrial on August 19, 2025.
- Weekly evidentiary hearings ordered by the judge to review newly disclosed material.
- Location and status of one man implicated in using Boyd’s cards but still wanted by authorities.
- Whether additional evidence emerges during the retrial that could affect charges or proceedings.
Key facts at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim | Paula Boyd, 75, found dead Oct. 21, 2015 |
| Defendant | R.C. Curtis, married to Boyd’s granddaughter at time of death |
| Charge | Capital murder (prosecutors not seeking death penalty) |
| Potential sentence if convicted | Mandatory life without parole |
| Key evidence cited | DNA reportedly matching scene evidence, DVDs, blood evidence, cellphone data |
| Other persons implicated | Frank Hernandez Jr. (arrested), David Rocha (wanted) |
| Live coverage | Streamed live on several digital platforms run by a local broadcaster |
Timeline of major events
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| October 21, 2015 | Paula Boyd found dead in her apartment | Victim discovery |
| October 22, 2015 | Curtis initially arrested for attempting to use Boyd’s debit card | Credit card abuse arrest |
| March 2016 | Curtis charged with capital murder after DNA match reported | Criminal charge filed |
| November 2021 | Original trial ends in mistrial after late evidence revelations | Mistrial declared |
| December 2021 | New blood evidence reported from medical examiner’s office | Evidence discovery |
| 2024 | Defense double jeopardy appeal denied | Court ruling |
| December 2024 | Retrial initially scheduled but delayed after new cellphone evidence surfaced | Retrial delayed |
| August 19, 2025 | Retrial begins | Trial start |
Simple visual statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the retrial begin?
The retrial for R.C. Curtis begins on August 19, 2025.
What is Curtis charged with?
Curtis is charged with capital murder in connection with the 2015 death of Paula Boyd. Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty; a conviction would carry a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Why has the case been delayed?
The case has faced multiple delays due to late discoveries of evidence, including DVDs, blood evidence from the medical examiner’s office and cellphone data found just prior to a previously scheduled retrial. These new discoveries prompted mistrials, additional hearings, and motions from the defense and prosecution.
Will the trial be available to watch?
The trial will be streamed live on several digital platforms operated by a local broadcaster, including specified website and online video channels.
Who else is implicated in this case?
Two other men were implicated in using Boyd’s stolen cards: Frank Hernandez Jr., who has been arrested, and David Rocha, who is still wanted by authorities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Parents of Alleged Teen Killer Face Trial
Additional Resources
- KSAT: Open Court in San Antonio Murder Case
- Wikipedia: Capital Murder
- Express News: R.C. Curtis Murder Trial
- Google Search: R.C. Curtis Trial
- News4SanAntonio: Tay-K’s Capital Murder Trial
- Google Scholar: Tay-K Trial
- KENS5: Texas Rapper Tay-K 47 Trial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tay-K Trial
- FoxSanAntonio: Capital Murder Trial for Tay-K
- Google News: Capital Murder Trial Tay-K
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.
