Judge Ruled Murder Suspect Competent for Trial
A judge determined that Samuel Aquim Charon is fit to face trial for the 2024 killing of Stacey Dramiga.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Running
Judge Liza Rodriguez ruled on Monday, September 28, 2026, that 24-year-old Samuel Aquim Charon is competent to stand trial for the capital murder of 63-year-old Stacey Dramiga. The case has been transferred to the 144th District Court for further proceedings.
Why it matters
The ruling marks a critical procedural step in the legal case regarding the death of Dramiga, who was found in DaFoste Park after disappearing from the Salado Creek Greenway.
A psychiatric evaluation confirmed Charon is competent to face charges for the capital murder of Dramiga. The legal proceedings have now moved to the 144th District Court.
The players
Liza Rodriguez
She is the judge presiding over the competency hearings for the criminal case.
Samuel Aquim Charon
He is the 24-year-old defendant charged with capital murder.
Stacey Dramiga
The 63-year-old victim was an employee at Brooke Army Medical Center.
The details
Investigators used DNA evidence and the Find My iPhone app to link Charon to the death of Dramiga, who had suffered blunt force and penetrating head trauma. Charon continues to deny involvement in the assault and murder of the Brooke Army Medical Center employee.
Timeline
September 22, 2024: Stacey Dramiga disappeared while walking.
September 23, 2024: Dramiga's remains were discovered near DaFoste Park.
April 2025: Samuel Aquim Charon provided a DNA sample following his arrest.
October 2025: Samuel Aquim Charon was arrested for the crime.
Monday, September 28, 2026: Judge Liza Rodriguez ruled Charon competent to stand trial.
Legal Context
This case follows the standard procedural framework established for capital murder cases within the 144th District Court. The ruling ensures the prosecution moves forward in alignment with local legal standards for competency in major criminal trials.
The transition of this case to the 144th District Court signals that the judicial process for this violent crime is advancing toward trial. Local residents in San Antonio can expect ongoing legal developments as the case moves forward through the Bexar County court system.
The takeaway
The court's finding of competency allows the state to proceed with a capital murder trial. A conviction would result in an automatic sentence of life in prison for the defendant.
Further reading
For more on local updates, visit the Running section.
