Angel A. Sanchez was sentenced to 40 years in prison after he pleaded no contests to charges of murder, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault of a public servant stemming from a standoff that resulted in a woman’s death.
Courtesy Bexar County Sheriff’s Office
Ana Antonio Express-News
Taylor Pettaway, Staff writer
Angel Sanchez, 30, pleaded no contest to the charges against him in the 379th District Court. In addition to 30 years for the three charges, Sanchez’s probation was revoked for a previous felony case, and he was sentenced to another 10 years by Judge Ron Rangel.
On July 25, 2021, Sanchez went to the apartment of a woman — previously identified as his common-law wife, Neida Tijerina — dressed in a military-style ballistic vest with a short-barrel shotgun, prosecutors said. At the time, an order was in place prohibiting Sanchez from having contact with the Tijerina. Nevertheless, he cut off his location monitor and went to her apartment.
Inside the home were Tijerina and her three children, including a 3-month old. She was able to send a text to a family member that she needed help.
When police arrived, Sanchez wouldn’t let Tijerina or her children leave, though at one point she escaped and told officers, while crying, that “he has my baby.” Sanchez then appeared holding the infant and the shotgun, and he ordered Tijerina to return to the apartment.
She complied out of fear.
Later, Sanchez exited the apartment again, screaming at officers. He then directed his shotgun at officers, prompting police to shoot, officials said.
Tijerina — who, unknown to police, was standing on the other side of the closed apartment door — was killed by a stray bullet. Sanchez was also wounded.
“A young mother lost her life, and her children will never know their mother’s love. They are all victims, and they deserved so much better,” Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said.
taylor.pettaway@express-news.net