Top Bexar County Criminal Cases to Watch in 2026

Updated: 12 Jan, 2026 • 0 • min read

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High-Profile Criminal Trials to Watch in 2026

2025 was a significant year for criminal trials in Bexar County, but the legal landscape is far from settled. As we move into 2026, several high-profile cases are expected to unfold, drawing public attention and scrutiny. Below are some of the most anticipated cases that will be closely followed this year.

Brad Simpson

Brad Simpson, 55, is charged with murder in connection with the disappearance of his wife, Suzanne Simpson, an Olmos Park Realtor. She was last seen alive on October 6, 2024. Authorities believe she was killed by her husband before her body was disposed of. In addition to murder, Simpson faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury, tampering with a corpse, and possession of a prohibited weapon. He also has a federal felony charge of possessing an unregistered firearm. His pretrial hearing is scheduled for January 20, and his trial is set for February 13.

James 'Val' Cotter

James "Val" Cotter, 66, is accused of hiding a weapon on behalf of Brad Simpson. He is charged with tampering with evidence to impair an investigation and possession of prohibited weapons. While the exact trial date is not yet confirmed, his next court date is set for March 4.

Stephen Michael Clare

Stephen Michael Clare, 53, is facing the death penalty in connection with the death of his 11-month-old daughter, Willow Grace Clare. On April 10, 2023, he fatally stabbed Willow and injured her sister, Rosalie, as well as his ex-wife, Mariah Lee Gardner. Clare is charged with capital murder of a child under the age of 10, attempted capital murder, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Although no official trial date has been set, state District Judge Joel Perez has indicated that the trial may take place in early 2026.

James Brennand

James Brennand, 31, a former San Antonio police officer, is accused of shooting 17-year-old Erik Cantu in 2022. The incident occurred when Cantu, who was eating a hamburger in his car outside a North Side McDonald's, pulled away from Brennand after the officer opened the car door. Cantu suffered major injuries and spent weeks on a ventilator. Brennand is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His trial was delayed this fall due to the Melissa Perez death trial, and a new date for his case has yet to be determined.

Christopher Preciado

Christopher Preciado, 21, was arrested in connection with the 2024 Christmas season killings of Savanah Soto, Matthew Guerra, and their unborn son, Fabian. His parents, Ramon Preciado and Myrta Romanos, were also arrested, though Romanos had her charge dropped. Christopher is charged with capital murder of multiple persons, tampering with a human corpse, and abuse of a corpse. The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office has stated it does not plan to pursue the death penalty. His trial is scheduled for February 2.

Ramon Preciado

Ramon Preciado, 55, is charged with tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse in connection with the deaths of Soto and Guerra. Police allege that he helped his son hide the bodies after the killings. His trial is also scheduled for February 2.

Terrence Wayne Harper

Terrence Wayne Harper, 37, is accused of injuring his infant son in 2018. He is charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury, including a skull fracture, brain hemorrhage, and bruises. After being found guilty in 2022, an appellate court granted him a new trial due to errors during the original trial. He is now awaiting trial for a charge of capital murder of a child under 10 from the same 2018 case. His status conference is scheduled for January 21, and a jury trial is set for March 23.

Ashley Pardo

Ashley Pardo, 33, is charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism after allegedly helping her 13-year-old son plan a mass shooting at Rhodes Middle School. She is also accused of pointing a gun at her infant daughter in 2023. No court hearings have been scheduled for her as of yet.

Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez

Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, 56, is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of actor Jonathan Joss. Police say he shot Joss several times during an argument. Joss, known for his roles in "King of the Hill," "Parks and Recreation," and "Tulsa King," was 59 years old. Alvarez was indicted by a grand jury in November and is awaiting his first trial setting.

David Ruiz

David Ruiz, 40, was arrested in connection with the stabbing death of Las Palapas founder Edward R. "Ron" Acosta. Ruiz's father claimed his son exhibited a rapid mental decline before the killing. Ruiz was arrested in Kimble County after fleeing from California. He is charged with murder, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.

Adiah Damir Roberson

Adiah Damir Roberson, 19, was arrested after a four-month manhunt for the fatal shooting of Sonic Drive-In manager Daniel Shrewsbury, 33. Roberson was involved in an argument over counterfeit money and stole the tip jar. A second suspect, Joshua Albert Joseph, 27, was arrested but his charge was dropped pending further investigation. Roberson has no court hearings scheduled as of yet.

Reyes Gallegos

Reyes Gallegos, 41, is accused of killing his wife, Cecilia Huerta Gallegos, 30. Her body has not been found, but video footage showed Gallegos unloading a chainsaw, two shovels, and heavy-duty trash bags the day she disappeared. Gallegos previously pleaded guilty to filing a false police report regarding her disappearance. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 26.

Samuel Aquim Charon

Samuel Aquim Charon, 23, was arrested in connection with the death of Stacey Dramiga, 63, who was found beaten, sexually assaulted, and burned. DNA evidence linked him to the crime scene, although he has denied involvement. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 3, when a judge is expected to receive an update on his psychiatric evaluation.

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