Prosecutors Dismiss Murder Charges Against Tristan Lerma
The Bexar County District Attorney dropped the case against Tristan Avery Lerma citing a lack of available witnesses.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Crime — General
Prosecutors have dismissed murder and assault charges against Tristan Avery Lerma regarding a 2023 shooting that left 61-year-old Michael Molina dead. The Bexar County District Attorney returned the matter to law enforcement for further investigation following the unavailability of key witnesses.
Why it matters
The dismissal pauses the legal proceedings for a violent incident that also resulted in the death of a dog and damage to a neighbor's vehicle. It highlights the recurring challenges prosecutors face when critical witness testimony cannot be secured for trial.
The Bexar County District Attorney dismissed charges including murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against Tristan Avery Lerma. The case remains open for further investigation by local law enforcement.
The players
Tristan Avery Lerma
He is an individual who faced murder and assault charges that were recently dismissed by the district attorney.
Michael Molina
The 61-year-old man was the victim who died from injuries sustained in the 2023 shooting.
Bexar County District Attorney
This local office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases and managing the judicial process within the county.
The details
The shooting occurred on August 30, 2023, on the Southwest Side when individuals exited a vehicle and fired at a home. During the confrontation, a neighbor returned fire at the suspects, who reportedly hit the neighbor's vehicle, while Michael Molina died from his injuries on September 8, 2023.
Timeline
August 30, 2023: A shooting occurs on the Southwest Side.
September 8, 2023: Michael Molina dies from injuries sustained during the incident.
October 2026: Prosecutors dismiss the murder and assault charges against Tristan Avery Lerma.
Legal Context
The dismissal aligns with standard prosecutorial procedures in San Antonio when critical evidence or testimony becomes unavailable for trial. Local cases often face similar hurdles when witness participation levels shift or disappear during the discovery phase.
Residents of the Southwest Side should remain aware that the investigation into the original shooting is ongoing. The case status affects the neighborhood's collective pursuit of closure for the incident involving the fatal shooting of Michael Molina.
The takeaway
The dismissal does not clear Tristan Avery Lerma of all legal jeopardy, as he continues to face unrelated charges of burglary, weapon possession, and evading arrest. Legal observers note that returned investigations can sometimes lead to re-filed charges if new evidence is secured later.
Further reading
For additional context on local law enforcement proceedings, visit the San Antonio Crime — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Antonio Express-News.
