San Antonio Court Sentences Man to 30 Years for Murder
Daniel Hernandez Jr. received the sentence for the fatal shooting of Ricky De Los Santos during a failed shoe deal.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Violence
The 227th District Court sentenced Daniel Hernandez Jr. to 30 years in prison for the murder of Ricky De Los Santos. The victim identified Hernandez Jr. as the person who shot him with an AK-47-style rifle before dying.
Why it matters
The case highlights the fatal consequences of a planned meet-up for the purchase of tennis shoes that escalated into lethal violence. The victim's dying identification of his attacker was critical to securing the conviction against Hernandez Jr.
Daniel Hernandez Jr. has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by Judge Christine Del Prado following the murder conviction. The investigation relied on testimony from the victim before he passed away.
The players
Daniel Hernandez Jr.
He is the individual convicted and sentenced to 30 years for the murder of Ricky De Los Santos.
Ricky De Los Santos
He was the victim of the shooting who identified his attacker before succumbing to his injuries.
Christine Del Prado
She serves as the judge in the 227th District Court who issued the prison sentence.
Diego Salazar
He was present alongside Daniel Hernandez Jr. during the meeting with the victim.
The details
Daniel Hernandez Jr. and Diego Salazar arranged to meet Ricky De Los Santos in San Antonio to purchase tennis shoes, but the encounter ended in a shooting with an AK-47-style rifle. De Los Santos died the same night he was shot after identifying his assailant to authorities.
Timeline
The shooting and the attempted purchase of shoes occurred in April 2024.
The sentencing of Daniel Hernandez Jr. took place on October 26, 2026.
Legal Context
The court's ruling follows the mandated sentencing ranges established under the Texas Penal Code for murder convictions. Similar cases in this jurisdiction are frequently prosecuted based on witness identifications provided at the scene.
This case serves as a reminder for residents to conduct transactions in safe, designated areas to avoid potential conflicts. The conclusion of this trial provides closure for the investigation into the local incident.
The takeaway
This case underscores the severe risks associated with arranging private sales with unknown individuals. Residents should utilize public, well-lit spaces or official police exchange zones for all private transactions.
Further reading
For more on criminal justice developments, visit San Antonio Violence.
