Jury selection set to start in trial for former SAPD officer charged in 2022 shooting of Erik Cantu

James Brennand faces an aggravated assault charge, accused of shooting then 17-year-old Erik Cantu at a McDonald’s parking lot in October 2022.

SAN ANTONIO — Jury selection begins Friday in the trial for the former San Antonio Police officer accused of shooting a teenager at a McDonald’s parking lot in October 2022.

James Brennand is facing charges for shooting then 17-year-old Erik Cantu. Just a month ago, Brennand’s attempted murder charge was reduced to aggravated assault.

Brennand was fired within days of the shooting and he was indicted two months later.

The body cam video released by SAPD appeared to show Cantu eating inside his car in the parking lit when an officer opened the drivers-side door and ordered the teen out. The video showed the car backing up and attempting to drive away.

Brennand then fired 10 rounds at Cantu and the car, hitting Cantu four times. Cantu was taken to the hospital in critical condition where he spent several weeks recovering.

Cantu was initially charged but those charges were later dropped.

Jury selection begins Friday morning. The trial is expected to last 11 days.

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