New Braunfels, TX, August 20, 2025
News Summary
A 52-year-old San Antonio man, Mario Saldana, was fatally injured in a stabbing incident while attempting to intervene in a disturbance outside the El Flaco Event Center. Authorities have arrested 55-year-old David Saldana on murder charges. The incident, which took place just after midnight, led to significant community concern and support for the victim’s family as they cope with the loss.
New Braunfels — A 52-year-old man was fatally stabbed early Sunday morning outside El Flaco Event Center after intervening in a large disturbance in the venue parking lot, police said. The victim, identified as Mario Saldana of San Antonio, was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center and later died from his injuries.
Key facts
The incident occurred just after midnight in the parking area of the event center, located in the 5400 block of Interstate 35 at the site formerly known as Legends Dance Hall. The disturbance involved multiple individuals. According to investigators, Mario Saldana approached the confrontation in an effort to calm the participants and was stabbed multiple times in the chest and back.
Authorities arrested 55-year-old David Saldana, who is not related to the victim, and charged him with murder. After booking into the Comal County Jail, David Saldana had bond set at $500,000. Police said witness statements and evidence gathered at the scene helped identify David Saldana as the suspect. Investigators indicated the inquiry is ongoing and that additional arrests or charges may be pending.
Immediate aftermath
Following the stabbing, emergency responders took Mario Saldana to Brooke Army Medical Center for treatment. He later succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack. The victim’s wife, who witnessed the incident, reported that her husband had attempted to deescalate the situation and did not know the people involved in the disturbance.
Family and community response
The victim’s wife described Mario Saldana as the primary provider for the family and said she was caring for her mother at the time of the incident. A community campaign has been launched to provide financial assistance to the family following his death. Local authorities are coordinating next steps in the criminal investigation while the community responds to the family’s needs.
What police have reported
- The stabbing took place during a significant altercation involving multiple people in a parking lot outside the event venue.
- Victim identification: Mario Saldana, age 52, San Antonio resident.
- Suspect identification: David Saldana, age 55, charged with murder and booked into Comal County Jail; bond set at $500,000.
- Victim sustained multiple stab wounds to the chest and back and later died at Brooke Army Medical Center.
- Witness statements and on-scene evidence were used to identify the suspect; further action may follow as the investigation continues.
Background and context
El Flaco Event Center is the current name for the venue previously known as Legends Dance Hall at the 5400 block of Interstate 35. Large disturbances at event venues can involve multiple participants and complicate on-scene investigation. In this case, police emphasized that the suspect and victim were not related and that witness testimony contributed to the arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the victim?
The victim was identified as Mario Saldana, a 52-year-old resident of San Antonio who was reportedly trying to deescalate a disturbance outside the event center.
Where did the stabbing occur?
The stabbing occurred just after midnight in the parking lot outside El Flaco Event Center, formerly known as Legends Dance Hall, in the 5400 block of Interstate 35 in New Braunfels.
Who was arrested and what are the charges?
Police arrested 55-year-old David Saldana, who is not related to the victim. He has been charged with murder and booked into Comal County Jail with bond set at $500,000.
What injuries did the victim suffer and where was he treated?
The victim suffered multiple stab wounds to the chest and back and was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center, where he later died.
Is the investigation complete?
The investigation is ongoing. Police have indicated that additional arrests or charges may be pending as they continue to gather evidence and statements.
How can the community support the family?
A fundraising campaign has been launched to support the victim’s family as they address immediate needs following his death.
Key case details
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Mario Saldana, 52, San Antonio |
| Suspect | David Saldana, 55 (no familial relation) |
| Charge | Murder |
| Bond | $500,000 |
| Location | El Flaco Event Center (formerly Legends Dance Hall), 5400 block of I-35, New Braunfels |
| Hospital | Brooke Army Medical Center |
| Time | Just after midnight (early Sunday morning) |
| Investigation status | Ongoing; additional arrests or charges possible |
Timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Early Sunday, just after midnight | Large disturbance in parking lot; victim intervened and was stabbed | Police reports; witness statements |
| Immediately after attack | Victim transported to Brooke Army Medical Center | Emergency response |
| Later Sunday (following transport) | Victim died from injuries | Hospital confirmation |
| Following investigation | Arrest of suspect, David Saldana; charged with murder and booked | Arrest and booking records |
| After booking | Bond set at $500,000 | Comal County Jail records |
| Ongoing | Investigation continues; further arrests or charges may follow | Police statement |
Simple visual statistics
Known individuals directly referenced in the case
Injury locations reported
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Additional Resources
- KSAT News
- Wikipedia: Stabbing
- CBS Austin News
- Google Search: New Braunfels Stabbing 2025
- KENS5 News
- Google Scholar: Stabbing Investigation
- News 4 San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Stabbing Crime Investigation
- Fox 7 Austin News
- Google News: New Braunfels Dance Hall 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.
