A dramatic moment in the San Antonio courtroom during the trial of Juan Guerra.
Juan Guerra, a 65-year-old man, has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of the 2019 murder of Fidel Saldivar in San Antonio. The trial concluded dramatically after just three days, with a jury delivering a verdict based on witness testimony and forensic evidence. The tragic shooting occurred in a high-crime area and has left a significant impact on the local community, prompting calls for justice and accountability.
San Antonio, TX – It has been a dramatic week in the San Antonio courts, as the murder trial of Juan Guerra, a 65-year-old man, wrapped up just three days after it kicked off on February 25, 2025. The Bexar County jury delivered a guilty verdict for Guerra, who was found responsible for the heartbreaking murder of Fidel Saldivar that took place back in February 2019.
The tragic events unfolded near the intersection of Monclova Alley and North San Jacinto Street, in a neighborhood described as a high crime area. Guerra, along with two accomplices, reportedly approached Saldivar and initiated an argument. Things quickly escalated when one of the suspects brandished a firearm during the heated exchange, ultimately leading to Saldivar being shot in the chest. Sadly, he was pronounced dead shortly after the attack.
In a twist of legal complexity, the authorities initially struggled to identify which of the suspects had actually fired the fatal shot. However, Guerra was charged under the law of parties, meaning he could be found guilty even if he did not pull the trigger himself. After several delays, primarily due to Guerra’s initial inability to stand trial, his competency was restored in 2024. Following this, he was brought back to Bexar County from a state hospital to face justice.
Once the proceedings officially began, the jury heard opening arguments on Monday, and the courtroom buzzed with anticipation. As deliberations continued through the week, the seriousness of the charges became evident. Guerra faced life imprisonment if convicted of first-degree murder, a heavy sentence that loomed over the courtroom like a dark cloud.
Witness testimonies played a crucial role in the trial. Eyewitnesses reported that Guerra had fled the scene shortly after the shooting and later attempted to claim self-defense during his arrest. However, compelling evidence tied him to the scene, including descriptions that matched Guerra and forensic evidence collected by the police. A neighbor even noted that he had seen Guerra with a shotgun moments before the dramatic confrontation.
The gathered testimonies painted a troubling picture of the crime. By various accounts, Saldivar was caught completely off guard before being shot, which only added to the outrage surrounding the situation. The Bexar County jury ultimately determined that enough evidence existed to convict Guerra, leading to a conviction that many see as a necessary closure for the victim’s family.
Following the guilty verdict, Guerra was sentenced to life in prison, which reflects the community’s desire for justice in this tragic case. Judge Frank Castro presided over the trial in the 399th District Court, ensuring that each piece of evidence was carefully considered. As San Antonio grapples with the aftermath of this incident, this verdict serves as a strong reminder of the impact of violence in communities and the importance of accountability.
As the story of Juan Guerra and Fidel Saldivar continues to resonate within the community, many hope for healing and prevention of future violence in their neighborhood. This emotional saga may have concluded in the courtroom, but its effects will likely linger on for those who were touched by the tragic events of that fateful day in 2019.
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