Top Bexar County Criminal Cases to Watch in 2026

High-Profile Criminal Trials to Watch in 2026

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2025 was a significant year for criminal trials in Bexar County, but many high-profile cases are still awaiting their turn in court. Here are some of the most anticipated trials for 2026.

Brad Simpson

Brad Simpson, 55, is charged with murder in connection with the death of his wife, Suzanne Simpson, an Olmos Park Realtor. Authorities have not yet found her remains, but they believe she was killed by her husband before being disposed of. In addition to murder, Simpson faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury, tampering with a corpse, and possession of a prohibited weapon. He also has a federal felony charge of possessing an unregistered firearm. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for January 20, and his trial is set for February 13.

James “Val” Cotter

James “Val” Cotter, 66, is accused of hiding a weapon on behalf of Brad Simpson. He is charged with tampering with evidence to impair an investigation and possession of prohibited weapons. While the exact trial date is uncertain, his next trial date is scheduled for March 4.

Stephen Michael Clare

Stephen Michael Clare, 53, is facing the death penalty in connection with the death of his 11-month-old daughter, Willow Grace Clare. Police say he fatally stabbed Willow and injured her sister, Rosalie, and his ex-wife, Mariah Lee Gardner, on April 10, 2023. Clare is charged with capital murder of a child under the age of 10, attempted capital murder, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. No official trial date has been set, but state District Judge Joel Perez has indicated he intends to have the trial in early 2026.

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James Brennand

James Brennand, 31, a former San Antonio police officer, is accused of shooting 17-year-old Erik Cantu in 2022. Cantu was parked and eating a hamburger outside a North Side McDonald’s when Brennand opened the car door, leading to the teen pulling away. Cantu suffered major injuries and was released from the hospital after weeks on a ventilator. Brennand is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His trial was delayed this fall due to the Melissa Perez death trial, and a new date for his case has yet to be set.

Christopher Preciado

Christopher Preciado, 21, is charged with the 2024 Christmas season killings of Savanah Soto, Matthew Guerra, and their unborn son, Fabian. His parents, Ramon Preciado and Myrta Romanos, were arrested, though Romanos’ charges were dropped. Christopher is charged with capital murder of multiple persons, tampering with a human corpse, and abuse of a corpse. The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office has stated it does not plan to pursue the death penalty. His trial is scheduled for February 2.

Ramon Preciado

Ramon Preciado, 55, is charged with tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse in connection with the deaths of Soto and Guerra. Police say he helped his son hide the bodies after the killings. His trial is also scheduled for February 2.

Terrence Wayne Harper

Terrence Wayne Harper, 37, is accused of injuring his infant son in 2018. He is charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury, including a skull fracture, brain hemorrhage, and bruises. Following a trial in 2022, an appellate court granted him a new trial after attorneys claimed the state made several mistakes during the trial. He is now awaiting trial for a charge of capital murder of a child under 10 from a 2018 case. His status conference is scheduled for January 21, and a jury trial is set for March 23.

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Ashley Pardo

Ashley Pardo, 33, is charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism after assisting her 13-year-old son in planning a mass shooting at Rhodes Middle School. She is also accused of pointing a gun at her infant daughter in 2023. Pardo has no court hearings scheduled as of yet.

Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez

Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, 56, is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of actor Jonathan Joss. Police say Alvarez shot Joss several times during an argument. Joss, known for his role in “King of the Hill,” is best remembered for his work in other shows as well. Alvarez was indicted by a grand jury in November and is awaiting his first trial setting.

David Ruiz

David Ruiz, 40, was arrested in connection with the stabbing death of Las Palapas founder Edward R. “Ron” Acosta. Authorities said Ruiz drove from California to Texas before fleeing to Kimble County, where he was arrested. He is charged with murder, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.

Adiah Damir Roberson

Adiah Damir Roberson, 19, was arrested after a four-month manhunt for the fatal shooting of Sonic Drive-In manager Daniel Shrewsbury, 33. Roberson was accused of using counterfeit money and stealing the restaurant’s tip jar. A second suspect, Joshua Albert Joseph, was arrested but had his charges dropped pending further investigation. Roberson has no court hearings scheduled as of yet.

Reyes Gallegos

Reyes Gallegos, 41, is accused of killing his wife, Cecilia Huerta Gallegos, 30. Her body has not been found, but video footage showed Gallegos unloading a chainsaw, shovels, and trash bags the day she went missing. Gallegos previously pleaded guilty to filing a false police report regarding his wife’s disappearance. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 26.

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Samuel Aquim Charon

Samuel Aquim Charon, 23, was arrested in connection with the death of 63-year-old Stacey Dramiga, who was found beaten, sexually assaulted, and burned. DNA evidence linked Charon to the crime scene, although he has denied involvement. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 3, when a judge is expected to receive an update on his psychiatric evaluation.