SAN ANTONIO – The trial of three former San Antonio Police officers continues today after Monday’s emotional testimony in the 2023 shooting death of Melissa Perez.
On Monday, Perez’s sister-in-law recounted her close relationship with Perez and detailed the mental health challenges she faced in 2022, including schizophrenia and delusions that she believed her family and children were in danger. She described the steps Perez took to manage her condition, including receiving treatment at recovery facilities and temporarily placing her youngest son in another family member’s custody following a social worker visit.
Last week, forensic experts and investigators provided crucial testimony about the events leading to Perez’s death. Dr. David Lynch, a forensic pathologist, explained the trajectory of the bullets, suggesting that Perez may not have been in an aggressive posture when she was shot.
The defense countered that Perez was holding a hammer and advancing toward officers, which they argued justified the use of deadly force.
Complicating the case, testimony from SAPD investigators revealed gaps in crime scene documentation, raising questions about the thoroughness of the investigation.
The defense also challenged the credibility of some witnesses, including a detective whose past disciplinary history was partially introduced during questioning.