Family of murder victim attacks suspected killer on witness stand during trial
Chelsea Connor
Featured Image Credit: Jason Wolff/Calfas Law
A huge fight broke out as punches were thrown in a Texas courtroom, after the family of the victim comes face to face with alleged killer.
Victor Nathaniel Rivas was present for a preliminary hearing when carnage broke out within the court room between Rivas and the Soto family.
Back in May 2022, 15-year-old Ethan Soto was found shot dead, allegedly by Victor Rivas, in what is believed to me a retaliation to a drug-related robbery.
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It’s believed that the shooter lured the victim from his home, just after he allegedly stole some THC cartridges from Rivas.
Now, on 26 December, pregnant 18-year-old Savannah Soto, was found dead along with her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, 22. The pair had been missing for three days.
Worry intensified after neighbours told the Soto family that they ‘heard the teen scream before getting in the car’ with her boyfriend.
It’s still not clear to authorities whether the two killings are related.
Savannah’s body was found on the same day she was set to be induced into labour, located next to her deceased boyfriend in their car in San Antonio.
After missing her induction for her baby at the hospital, her mother, Gloria Cordova, became anxious, saying: “I went by there and knocked and knocked and knocked and she wasn't answering."
“We got to the hospital. They said she wasn't there.”
“I’m worried about her safety she is with her boyfriend who is no good,” she shared on Facebook, as her worry spiralled.
Other people started to worry about Savannah’s boyfriend, as its reported that on her TikTok videos, at times you can ‘see bruises.’
A user also claimed to ‘hear them arguing basically everyday.’
Guerra's mother came to her son’s defence, saying: 'I know my son and he wouldn't do anything to hurt her.'
In the court room video, you can see a scurry of people close in on each other as punches are repeatedly thrown towards Rivas' head, and they only cease once security guards of the court step in to intervene.
The judge proceeded to hit the panic button as the brawl broke out.
It's alleged that the family members couldn’t contain their anger any longer, while as well as standing trial for the death of their 9-months-pregnant family member, Rivas was allegedly also making gestures to taunt them in the courtroom.
Four people were arrested following the brawl, two adult males and two juvenile males who all joined in with the aggressive outburst.
According to Bexar County Office, they are each expected to be charged with ‘assault and disrupting court proceedings.’