Tragic Shooting Outside South Side Basketball Courts in San Antonio
In a shocking event that unfolded in San Antonio, three men have been arrested in connection with a tragic shooting that left one man dead outside a basketball court. The incident is believed to involve a case of mistaken identity, which adds another layer of sadness to this already heartbreaking situation.
The Incident
The shooting took place just after midnight on April 26 at the Brooks Inner-City Sports facility on Topeka Boulevard, near the bustling Interstate 37. The victim, identified as Xavier Perez, was only 27 years old and was known to frequent the basketball court to play with his brother and friends.
According to reports from law enforcement, Xavier’s brother hinted at the possibility that this tragic event stemmed from an earlier incident. It was revealed that Justin Eaton, one of the suspects, had threatened to kill a family member of Xavier’s several weeks prior to the shooting. Xavier’s brother believes the shooting was a case of mistaken identity as he stated that the two men bore a striking resemblance to one another.
Chilling Video Evidence
On the night of the shooting, surveillance cameras captured a gray or silver SUV arriving at the gym. Footage showed two passengers in the vehicle opening fire on Xavier, who was caught standing between his own truck and that of a friend. As Xavier collapsed, one of the passengers rushed to his side while the other continued to fire, leaving bystanders horrified.
Fast forward about eight hours after the shooting, detectives received a tip from the San Antonio Police Robbery Unit about a stolen silver Mitsubishi Outlander SUV. Interestingly, this was the vehicle seen in the surveillance footage outside the gym. Law enforcement was able to track the vehicle circling the area right before the murder and later discovered that gunfire was reported nearby soon after—an eerie connection, indeed.
Connecting the Dots
As if the situation couldn’t get murkier, detectives arrested Glen McGarity and Diontay Roberson on May 7 for their involvement in the robbery of a Brinks armored truck. After this robbery, the suspects led authorities on a wild high-speed chase that ended in a dramatic arrest while they attempted to set the stolen vehicle on fire.
During the arrests, police confiscated cell phones belonging to Roberson and McGarity, which turned out to be a trove of evidence. Data recovered from the phones provided invaluable insight into the vehicle’s movements leading up to the murder. Investigators also learned that Eaton, who was shot during the incident, likely sustained his injuries from friendly fire, as he was one of only three people shooting that night.
The Aftermath
It’s a devastating situation that has shaken the local community. Many people have felt the emotional ripple effects of this incident, especially those who will forever remember Xavier as the bright soul who brought joy to the basketball courts he loved. The devastating reality of life taken too soon weighs heavily on all of us. As the legal proceedings commence, the community mourns this tragic loss, hoping that justice will be served in honor of Xavier Perez.
We all wish for peace in the community as authorities continue their investigation and the families affected navigate this difficult time. Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds, and let’s remember to support one another in the wake of such a tragic event.
