Jury Selection Begins for Cristobal Stephan Garzez Trial
The 197th District Court is selecting a jury for a man facing charges in a 2025 fatal crash.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Crime — General
Jury selection has begun in the 197th District Court for the trial of 29-year-old Cristobal Stephan Garzez. He faces charges of intoxication manslaughter, manslaughter, and possession of a controlled substance related to the 2025 death of David Zapata.
Why it matters
The trial addresses allegations that the defendant struck David Zapata while he was hitching a car to a tow truck in Harlingen. The prosecution claims the defendant operated a vehicle while intoxicated and fled the scene without rendering aid.
Cristobal Stephan Garzez has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including intoxication manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance. The trial proceedings are currently active in the 197th District Court following his re-indictment in July 2026.
The players
Cristobal Stephan Garzez
The 29-year-old defendant is facing felony charges of intoxication manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance.
David Zapata
The victim died in July 2025 after being struck by a vehicle while working with a tow truck.
197th District Court
This is the Harlingen-based judicial venue currently presiding over the trial and jury selection process.
The details
Prosecutors allege the defendant rammed his vehicle into the back of a tow truck on July 8, 2025, killing David Zapata. Garzez faces multiple felony counts and is expected to undergo opening arguments following the completion of jury selection.
Timeline
July 8, 2025: David Zapata died after being struck by a vehicle.
July 2026: Cristobal Stephan Garzez was re-indicted on felony charges.
October 26, 2026: Jury selection began for the trial.
October 27, 2026: First witnesses are expected to testify.
Legal Context
This case proceeds under the established framework of Texas Penal Code intoxication manslaughter statutes. The trial represents a standard application of state legal procedures for prosecuting fatal motor vehicle incidents involving suspected impairment.
The trial proceedings may draw public attention to road safety and the legal consequences of impaired driving in Harlingen. Residents following the case can monitor local court updates as testimony begins.
The takeaway
The trial serves as a reminder of the legal gravity surrounding fatal vehicle accidents and the state-level prosecution of substance-related charges. Jurors in Harlingen will soon begin evaluating evidence regarding the events that occurred on July 8, 2025.
Further reading
For more updates on local legal proceedings, visit the Crime — General section.
