Murder or Self-defense? SAPD Investigates Walmart Shooting Incident

Incident Overview

In San Antonio, tensions escalated into violence outside a local Walmart on Monday morning, leading to an investigation by the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) regarding whether the shooting was an act of murder or self-defense.

What Happened?

The chaos began around 7 a.m. when a 70-year-old man, accused of the shooting, was taken into custody after allegedly engaging in an argument with a younger man in the parking lot. The older man is said to have been living or sleeping in his truck within the parking area, located on Southeast Military Drive near Roosevelt Avenue.

Details of the Encounter

During the argument, which turned heated, the elder man reportedly fired at least two shots, striking the victim—described as being in his 30s and suspected to be homeless—in both the arm and back. Tragically, the younger man succumbed to his injuries right there at the scene.

Investigation Ongoing

Following the incident, police quickly detained both the suspected shooter and a woman who was with him for questioning. As of Monday afternoon, authorities have not come to a conclusion whether to press charges against the older man.

Recurring Violence at Walmart

This tragic event marks the fourth deadly shooting near local Walmart stores in the past 18 months, highlighting a disturbing trend. Previous incidents include:

• In April, a 13-year-old was arrested after a shooting linked to an attempted carjacking.
• In February 2023, an 18-year-old was accused of a fatal shooting outside another Walmart on SE Military.
• A violent encounter in September resulted in a man being killed during a shootout with police outside a different Walmart.

Next Steps

As investigators continue to piece together the details surrounding this latest shooting, the SAPD emphasizes the importance of determining whether this incident was a case of self-defense or warranting criminal charges. The community watches closely as the story unfolds.