San Antonio Couple Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison After Fatal Dog Attack on Air Force Veteran

San Antonio Couple Faces Sentencing After Tragic Dog Attack

In a heart-wrenching case that has shaken the San Antonio community, a couple is facing sentencing for the death of an 81-year-old Air Force veteran, Ramon Najera Jr., and the severe injury of his wife, Juanita “Janie” Najera. Abilene Schnieder and her husband, Christian Alexander Moreno, each plead guilty to the charge of dangerous dog attack causing death after their pit bulls launched an unprovoked attack last year.

The Incident

The tragic attack occurred on February 24, 2023, when the couple’s two pit bulls escaped from their yard and mauled the Najeras in the 2800 block of Depla Street, located in San Antonio’s West Side. The couple had been warned multiple times about their dogs’ aggressive behavior, which included prior incidents of biting several neighbors.

As Ramon Najera sought to protect his wife, he lost his life in a horrific display of animal aggression. Witnesses described the chaos, with several residents desperately trying to intervene using car horns, hoses, and even rakes to fend off the dogs. Firefighters had to use axes and poles to stop the attack, which only ended when Schnieder and Moreno returned home and commanded their dogs back indoors.

The Sentencing Hearing

Prosecutors painted a picture of “gross criminal negligence” and a blatant lack of remorse on the part of Schnieder and Moreno during the three-day sentencing hearing. Assistant Bexar County District Attorney Raul Jordan argued that the couple demonstrated “conscious indifference” toward the safety of their neighbors, stating, “They didn’t care about public safety.”

The couple, both 32, could face up to 20 years in prison when State District Judge Velia Meza announces her decision on September 20. However, the defense is appealing for probationary sentences, arguing that the city shares responsibility for the attack due to inadequate responses from animal control officials to prior complaints. Defense attorney Meredith Chacon indicated that after previous bites involving the couple’s dogs, the city failed to take necessary action.

Emotional Repercussions

The courtroom was filled with tension as the Najera family and community members grappled with the impacts of the tragedy. Juanita Najera, who was also injured during the attack, listened as prosecutors spoke of her late husband’s heroism, stating, “No greater love hath a man than to give his life for his friends.” Her heart-wrenching emotions were palpable as she struggled to comprehend the loss of her beloved husband.

Defense Arguments

The defense emphasized the couple’s financial struggles and the broader challenges faced by low-income families in the area. Jorge Aristotelidis, representing Moreno, pointed out that many residents rely on dogs for protection since they cannot afford homesecurity systems. He stated, “This is part of the culture… day to day, they look for work and try to stay above water.”

Both Schnieder and Moreno have no previous convictions, and while Moreno has had past legal issues, he has managed to secure stable employment with Amazon. The defense called character witnesses, including friends who applauded the couple’s good-hearted actions in the community.

Community Shock and Reflection

As the community processes this chaos and loss, the impact of the tragedy resonates deeply. Many neighbors shared concerns over the safety of their own families and pets around aggressive dogs. In testimony, community members recounted how Schnieder and Moreno had previously helped elderly neighbors and those in need, making the attack even more shocking.

Now, as everyone awaits the judge’s decision, questions remain about the responsibilities of dog owners and the effectiveness of local animal control enforcement. The hope is for justice and a community that can heal from this painful event, reflecting on the importance of safety and accountability when it comes to pet ownership.