Justice Delayed: San Antonio Mother Fights for Answers Five Years After Son’s Death

Justice Still Elusive for San Antonio Mother Five Years After Son’s Tragic Death

San Antonio – It’s been over five years since Phyllis Little lost her son, Terrence Scott, to gun violence, and she still feels the sting of injustice. The past few years have not just been a painful journey through grief but also a frustrating grapple with the legal system that seems to have left her waiting for answers.

On a fateful night, November 17, 2018, Terrence, a former football player at Taft High School, was shot in the head during an altercation at Chaser’s Sports Bar in North San Antonio. The incident unfolded after Terrence allegedly punched Tremaurya Powell, who was reportedly involved in the confrontation. In the heat of the moment, Powell, in an act of violence, responded by shooting Terrence, changing the lives of many forever.

Powell was arrested about a month later when police apprehended him on outstanding warrants, but the case against him has faced numerous setbacks. Phyllis recalls the delays, many exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, “Delayed justice is injustice.” Over the years, she has kept in close contact with the courts, increasingly anxious as the wheels of justice seemed to grind on without progress.

The Emotional Toll of Waiting

In 2023, Phyllis’s hope was briefly reignited when prosecutors informed her that a trial was imminent. However, the optimism quickly turned into despair when she learned that the case was no longer moving forward. “The trial was supposed to be that Monday,” she shared, “and they tell me they cannot go forward because the holes in the case were big enough to drive a bus through.”

As those words sank in, Phyllis felt her heart sink. She learned that the prosecution had not even opened the case files for nearly four years. With such significant gaps in the evidence, Powell’s murder charge was ultimately dismissed, and he was released from custody. To add insult to injury for Phyllis, he would later be convicted on a drug charge instead.

Anger and frustration bubbled to the surface as she analyzed the systemic issues that may have contributed to the dismissal of her son’s case. Phyllis didn’t hold back when she stated, “San Antonio does not put resources or money into Black murders.” Her fight for justice was now more urgent than ever.

A New Arrest, A Renewed Fight

Just as Phyllis was beginning to lose hope, she received a call on October 17, 2024, that Tremaurya Powell had been rearrested. This time, the charges stemmed from unrelated felony family violence incidents, specifically assault family impede breath/circulation and continuous violence against family—both third-degree felonies. With some semblance of hope reignited, Phyllis declared, “I have to get up. I have to fight at this point.”

While Powell posted bond the day after his arrest and is currently awaiting indictment, Phyllis is determined to push forward, holding onto the hope that her struggle for justice may soon get a second chance.

A Statement from Authorities

Authorities have acknowledged the gravity of Terrence Scott’s tragic death in their statement. They expressed sympathy for Phyllis’s loss while clarifying, “This case was dismissed for further investigation and is currently with law enforcement to continue their investigation.” They noted that the lack of a statute of limitations for murder means that the case could potentially be refiled in the future. But for Phyllis, waiting is painful, and so is the chilling silence of justice that has lingered too long.

Despite the obstacles she has faced, Phyllis Little remains resolute in her quest for **justice for her son**. As she eloquently puts it, “I didn’t have any more energy to fight,” but life has a way of kindling strength, and hers has been reignited. As this story unfolds, many in San Antonio will be following along, hoping to see justice finally served for Terrence Scott.