A jury on Monday found former officers Nathaniel Villalobos, Eleazar Alejandro and Alfred Flores not guilty of all charges connected to the death of Melissa Perez.
SAN ANTONIO — After being cleared of all charges, three former San Antonio police officers say they’re ready to move forward following a four-week trial that ended with their acquittal in the 2023 shooting death of Melissa Perez.
A Bexar County jury on Monday found former officers Nathaniel Villalobos, Eleazar Alejandro and Alfred Flores not guilty of all charges connected to the incident.
Defense Attorney Nico LaHood, said the verdict was a victory not just for the three men, but against what he called an “unjust prosecution.”
“This was never about us vs. the Perez family,” LaHood said. “It was up against an apparatus — the DA’s office and the SAPD administration — on an unjust prosecution.”
LaHood said the verdict does not end their story, suggesting the men could seek back pay, reinstatement or potential legal action against the city. He added that at least two of them are considering returning to law enforcement.
Following the verdict, the San Antonio city attorney’s office released a statement saying, “We will continue to defend the City in the civil litigation and the discipline issued for the former officers involved.”
LaHood also called for reflection within city leadership.
“The Chief needs to have a deep reflection — him and all of his staff, including city council — because this cannot continue to happen,” he said.
The officers were charged in connection with the June 2023 shooting of Perez at her southwest-side apartment complex. Police had been called to reports that Perez was cutting wires to a fire alarm system. Chief William McManus said at the time that Perez appeared to be experiencing a mental health episode.
However, LaHood and San Antonio Police Officers Association President Danny Diaz argue that the narrative was misleading. They said the former officers arrived after Perez allegedly struck another officer with a candle.
“They were responding to an officer-in-trouble call, not a mental health call,” LaHood said. “That narrative went on through this whole trial — and the 871 days this case was pending.”
Diaz said the case has lowered morale throughout the department.
“Right now, our officers are asking — should I even do my job? Because the department doesn’t have my back, the city doesn’t have my back, and the DA most definitely doesn’t have it,” Diaz said.
In a statement shared with KENS 5, Alfred Flores said:
“I would like to thank God and the jury for their virtuous and just response, especially in contrast to the actions that were taken against us. My family and I are deeply grateful that the facts and evidence were finally presented clearly for the public, leaving no room for misinformation. Our deepest prayer is for everyone directly involved — that healing, understanding, and truth continue to guide each of us forward.”
Members of Perez’s family have not yet spoken publicly about the verdict.