San Antonio, October 15, 2025
News Summary
The trial of three former San Antonio police officers charged in the shooting death of Melissa Perez continues to reveal critical details about the incident. With charges ranging from murder to aggravated assault, the case has sparked discussions about police responses to mental health crises. Body camera footage played in court illustrates confrontations with Perez, who suffered from schizophrenia. As testimony unfolds, the courtroom has witnessed significant emotional reactions, raising important questions about the officers’ actions and legal boundaries during the incident.
San Antonio
The trial of three former San Antonio police officers charged in the shooting death of Melissa Perez continues after beginning in June 2023. The officers on trial are Eleazar Alejandro, Alfred Flores, and Nathaniel Villalobos. Flores and Alejandro face murder charges, while Villalobos faces an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by a public servant charge. All three officers have been terminated from the San Antonio Police Department.
Key developments
The incident occurred on June 23, 2023, during a response to a reported disturbance involving Melissa Perez. Perez, who suffered from schizophrenia, allegedly cut the wires to a fire alarm in her apartment prior to the officers’ arrival. Body camera footage played in court showed tense confrontations between Perez and the officers.
The defense has argued that Perez posed a physical threat as she approached the officers holding a hammer, and the defense introduced a hammer in court to illustrate the potential threat Perez posed. Prosecutors counter that Perez was not a danger and highlighted the lack of consideration for obtaining a warrant by officers at the scene. Officers present were seen escalating the situation by knocking on her door and shouting at her.
A key witness, Officer Jesus Rojas, described his encounter with Perez as she appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Rojas testified that she had disclosed a schizophrenia diagnosis but was not on medication at the time of the incident. The prosecution questioned the delay in addressing Perez’s mental health needs by the responding officers and whether the officers had legal grounds to detain Perez during their initial interaction.
Courtroom atmosphere and legal context
Significant emotional reactions in the courtroom occurred as jurors viewed footage of the incident, impacting Perez’s family members present. The trial is a joint trial, indicating a shared defense strategy among the officers. Testimony and evidence continue to unfold, highlighting the complexities of police response in mental health crisis situations.
The trial is presided over by Judge Ron Rangel, with prosecutors including Felony Criminal Trial Division Chief David Lunan. If convicted, Flores and Alejandro could face life in prison; Villalobos also faces a potential life sentence.
What the court has shown so far
- Body camera footage played in court showed tense confrontations between Perez and the officers.
- The defense claims Perez posed a physical threat as she approached the officers holding a hammer.
- Prosecutors argue that Perez was not a danger and highlight the lack of consideration for obtaining a warrant by officers at the scene.
- Officer Jesus Rojas described his encounter with Perez as she appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Rojas testified that she had disclosed a schizophrenia diagnosis but was not on medication at the time of the incident.
- The defense introduced a hammer in court to illustrate the potential threat Perez posed.
Legal charges summarized
| Officer | Charge | Potential Sentence | Department Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eleazar Alejandro | Murder | Life in prison if convicted | Terminated |
| Alfred Flores | Murder | Life in prison if convicted | Terminated |
| Nathaniel Villalobos | Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by a public servant | Potential life sentence | Terminated |
Background and broader implications
The proceedings have underscored questions about how law enforcement responds to mental health crises and what legal options officers have when encountering someone who may be in need of mental health care. Prosecutors have pressed on whether responders gave adequate consideration to Perez’s mental health status and whether a warrant or different tactics should have been sought. The case continues to be examined for both factual responsibility and procedural decisions made by responding officers.
Ongoing status
The joint trial began in June 2023 and remains in progress as testimony and evidence continue to be presented to the jury. Arguments in court have focused on threat assessment, the officers’ actions leading up to the shooting, and legal questions around detention and search decisions during the initial encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the officers on trial?
The officers on trial are Eleazar Alejandro, Alfred Flores, and Nathaniel Villalobos.
What charges do the officers face?
Each officer faces serious charges: Flores and Alejandro face murder charges, while Villalobos faces aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by a public servant.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on June 23, 2023, during a response to a reported disturbance involving Melissa Perez.
What is known about Melissa Perez’s condition?
Perez, who suffered from schizophrenia, allegedly cut the wires to a fire alarm in her apartment prior to the officers’ arrival.
What evidence has been shown in court?
Body camera footage played in court showed tense confrontations between Perez and the officers.
What did Officer Jesus Rojas testify?
Rojas testified that she had disclosed a schizophrenia diagnosis but was not on medication at the time of the incident.
What is the current status of the trial?
The trial of three San Antonio police officers charged in the shooting death of Melissa Perez began in June 2023.
What has been said about the officers’ department status?
All three officers have been terminated from the San Antonio Police Department.
Key features table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim | Melissa Perez |
| Date of incident | June 23, 2023 |
| Officers on trial | Eleazar Alejandro; Alfred Flores; Nathaniel Villalobos |
| Charges | Two murder charges (Flores and Alejandro); aggravated assault by a public servant (Villalobos) |
| Court officials | Judge Ron Rangel; Prosecutor David Lunan |
| Department status | All three officers have been terminated from the San Antonio Police Department. |
Timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status/Source |
|---|---|---|
| June 23, 2023 | Incident occurred during a response to a reported disturbance involving Melissa Perez. | Ongoing court record |
| June 2023 | The trial of three San Antonio police officers charged in the shooting death of Melissa Perez began. | Ongoing trial |
| Ongoing | Testimony and evidence continue to be presented in the trial. | Ongoing trial |
Simple visual charts
Charges distribution among the three officers:
Officer department status:
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Additional Resources
- News 4 San Antonio: Trial Update
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KSAT: Officer Trial Coverage
- Google Search: San Antonio Officer Trial
- Express News: Melissa Perez Trial
- Google Scholar: Police Response to Mental Health Crises
- KENS5: Perez Case Coverage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Policing and Mental Health
- News 4 San Antonio: Trial Resumes
- Google News: Melissa Perez San Antonio 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.
