Arbitration award of $5.4 million challenged by employer of Garden Ridge store clerk murdered in 2020

Pam Smotherman’s sister is pushing for legislative change to protect convenience store workers across Texas. GARDEN RIDGE, Texas — The family of a store clerk who was murdered in Garden Ridge almost four years ago, is faced with a new legal challenge after GPM Investments LLC, the sixth largest convenience store chain, filed a motion … Read more

‘I just want justice’ | Sentencing hearing set Wednesday for accused killer in the death of Atascosa County man

Joseph Saiz is accused of shooting Ricky Bernal Jr. in August at a home off Big Leaf Road. ATASCOSA COUNTY, Texas — A man accused of killing a father in Atascosa County in August is set to be sentenced Wednesday, according to the victim’s family. 26-year-old Joseph Saiz has a hearing set for 2 p.m. … Read more

Suspect jailed in Austin for 2023 killing spree now facing capital murder charges Travis, Bexar counties. Who will prosecute first?

A lawyer for Shane James, Jr. said Bexar County prosecutors recently filed charges. The question now: which county will take the lead? AUSTIN, Texas — An accused killer is now facing charges in both Travis and Bexar counties after a rampage that killed six people and wounded three others in December 2023. The new charges … Read more