The trial of three ex-San Antonio officers accused of killing Melissa Perez is set to begin next week.
SAN ANTONIO — A daughter is holding out hope for justice in the death of her mother.
Melissa Perez’s accused killers — three former San Antonio police officers — are scheduled to go to trial next week.
Investigators said Perez was shot and killed during a suspected mental health crisis in 2023. The trial comes after a federal judge this week dismissed a civil lawsuit filed by Perez’s family against the city and two of the officers.
Alexis Tovar, one of Perez’s four children, said the judge’s decision was painful but added the family plans to appeal. She said she is relying on her faith to get through the upcoming criminal trial.
“Honestly, it’s horrible coming and seeing her name on a tombstone,” Tovar said Thursday while standing near her mother’s gravesite.
Tovar said she tries to honor her mother each day. Recently, she took her nursing school graduation photos at the cemetery, including her mother in the moment.
“I know she’s proud of me, but it’s disappointing that she’s not going to see me walk the stage,” Tovar said.
The same week Tovar begins her new career, the trial is set to start. She said she hopes the criminal case leads to accountability and changes in how police respond to mental health calls.
“She didn’t deserve what happened to her,” Tovar said.
In June 2023, police responded to Perez’s apartment while she was reportedly suffering from a mental health crisis. Investigators said Perez barricaded herself inside and threw a hammer at a window. At one point, three officers opened fire.
Within 18 hours of the shooting, the officers were suspended from the force and jailed. Alfred Flores and Eleazar Alejandro are charged with murder, while Nathaniel Villalobos is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
“God willing, we bring change to San Antonio,” Tovar said.
Jury selection is scheduled to begin Oct. 8. All three former officers are being tried together.
“I’m just trying to stay positive and hopefully we are able to change the way things work,” she said.