Found Deceased TX - Savanah Soto, 18, Leon Valley, 22 December 2023 #2 *Arrests*

[SLouTh]

From the presser, the Police seem fairly sure they have the right gun … IMO (Also I doubt they would announce they have it, if they weren’t sure to some degree …. IMO)

The final piece of information that I have for you is that the gun believed to be the murder weapon has been recently recovered from the suspect’s home.

And also this from the presser ..

I will just say that we believe it’s the gun that was used in the murder. As far as the testing and ballistic results go, I’m not sure quite what they have yet.

Even without the ballistics reports back, they seem sure … IMO

i don't know if we will ever know about whose gun it was as I doubt MG would have it registered and CP or SS isnt old enough to have a legal one (thinks its 21?)

I am wondering if Police may know indeed whose gun it was, due to the various photos of weapons being held by one of the victims (many pics on victims cell phone) … ??? And possibly the gun had an easily identifiable feature??

If the murder weapon belonged to MG, the prosecution is likely going to have an uphill climb getting capital murder to stick IMO.

BBM
That is what I am wondering too ???


TBH I can’t understand why CP didn’t dispose of the gun, they had days of lead time on the Police, in order to do that …. Did CP somehow think that by holding on to the gun (if it did belong to MG) that it would give some credence to his “self defence” story???

Or is he using the gun, to try and buy some leniency??? By telling police where it was ??

All IMO

 

[arielilane]

Sadly thinking back how many times I have seen photos of people flashing huge wads of money (and/or guns) and then reading "Found Deceased". It almost seems guaranteed. Ugh, will it ever stop?

View attachment 472237

Accused drug dealer flashed fistful of money on social media before he, pregnant Savanah Soto were killed in car

“People wanted to rob the boyfriend, and it was stated that he had been shot at before.”

nypost.com

It's not smart to flash money or credit cards, etc. Don't show others what you have or brag about what you have. Young people don't think about things like that. jmo

So very sorry for the young lives lost, and the baby who never got a chance to live. The alleged killer wiped out a whole family in no time . Senseless.

 

[Marie A]

If the gun found at CP's residence proves to be the incident weapon: we have to wonder why it wasn't discarded or hidden prior to the arrests? Even the first night...
I don't consider the meet arrangement to be all that strange but I do wonder where the Kia was immediately prior to its arrival at the Charley Chaplin house....whether it stopped in some obscure but nearby location. I do not believe that MG had any intent to rob and I also don't believe that CP had the intent to simply rob although had things gone totally to plan any money or merchandise would be removed from the Kia. With consideration of the injuries and the minimal shots, there was some preparation to the murders.
What's hard to get around is that if these killings were plotted and planned for profit, that planning did not consider anything past the discharge of the gun. Dealing with the bodies and the car was not pre-planned in any meaningful way. If RP was involved in the planning surely a much more thorough and obfuscating means of disposal would have been devised.

Though: if the weapon found in the home is the murder weapon, that alone indicates that father and son are not the sharpest knives in the drawer.

JMO and with more than a little confusion...

Some very good points made here above.
I think the police have the murder weapon.
The fact that it was not disposed of and that both father and son have fully cooperated with the investigation speaks highly to there being a chance that C felt his life was in danger and thereby made a split second (fully unplanned) decision that will haunt him forever. Of course he did take MG’s cell phone or it fell out of MG’s hand or pocket and they held on to it/ police found it.
Twice the SAPD (once right after the perp walk then again this morning) have very purposefully and publicly described the father as being extremely cooperative.
That speaks volumes to me.
I wonder if father and son told police detectives exactly where to find the gun and MG’s phone?
Not destroying this evidence says something to me too.
It doesn’t reek to me of stupidity but rather of two people who are agonizing over how to proceed.
Also, the fact they both waved their Miranda Rights and spoke to detectives at length is telling.
I personally don’t think these killings were planned. I think something escalated quickly and C felt threatened. The best thing the perps could have done was call police and report exactly what happened right when it happened. They obviously made a choice to hide the victims instead of reporting the shooting (albeit they didn’t really try to hide it but rather dropped the car right by their house.)
Maybe I’m being naive or stupid myself but that’s my humble opinion.

 

[SLouTh]

We have 90 days to indict these cases, and so I’m sure that they’re going to get a prosecution guide – which is the term that we use for a complete file.

BBM (and from the Presser…)

Is it this period of 90 days where the various requests for warrants, related to the case, are listed on line??

Or is that after an indictment… ???

TIA

 

[Seattle1]

I've been wondering if the announcement that BOTH were involved in dealing narcotics was to send a clear message that there should be no retaliations or attacks on MGs "side" by those associated with SS. That is, this wasn't a one-sided form of income that she had no awareness of, and that both were equally involved.

I applaud the investigators and the DA for coming out early to name SS as an active participant with MG in the drug trade, and how they used the first opportunity following the arrest of the suspects to essentially put the defense (and retaliating pubic) on notice that the evidence is strong and plentiful. To be clear, I don't mean this as a dig against SS but I see this as protecting the evidence they've collected and that they are going to need to convict CP of Capital Murder.

More important, be reminded that MG was on 'community supervision (i.e., probation) since his December 2022 assault charge. Also, not only was MG found in violation (long list) of his Supervision Order last August, he also picked up three additional charges in September for Reckless Driving, Unlawful Carry Weapon, and Evading Arrest. MG had a hearing scheduled on January 9, 2024 for the added charges.

IMO, with MG being on probation (and in violation of his probation), SS would have had more than one reason to pick up the slack for MG and the ugly drug business-- if only to keep him out of jail-- given MG was showing no signs of stopping his criminal activity. MG had reason to operate undetected and if that required SS fronting for him, I think this was mutually acceptable. And if I remember correctly, MG's probation had recently been extended from June 2024 to 2025 after he re-offended.

In fact, looking over his violation list, there's a good chance MG could have been headed to jail after the January 9 hearing if he couldn't show he corrected the deficiencies. For example, pursuant to Condition 3, 'Obtain Employment in a Lawful Occupation,' I'm not recalling MG was gainfully employed (lawfully) on the date he died.

On 8/29/23, he told his Supervision/Probation Officer (SPO) he was attending Battering Intervention and Prevention Program (BIPP) but could provide no receipt. (This was ordered back in December 2022). What -- he was too busy posing and marketing?

On 9/12/23, his SPO wrote: "He is not focused on seeking employment as directed. The defendant demonstrates being in the pre contemplation stage and wants to continue to engage in criminal activity."

https://twitter.com/x/status/1739788483013542305

See additional charges here:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1739791119011951079

 

[Leilei]

<modsnip: Quoted post was removed > His business has a FB page, too. They were gracious enough to post a Merry Christmas greeting while there were three murder victims ditched in a car. Yes, I'm being sarcastic. <modsnip>

 

[gliving]

If the murder weapon belonged to MG, the prosecution is likely going to have an uphill climb getting capital murder to stick IMO.

Yea, it will get interesting if MG's fingerprints are on the weapon. ...

 

[Knox]

Was anyone else shocked that when LE showed up, they admitted to the murders? That's a rare occurance these days. Yes, Christopher tried to claim self defense - but to even admit anything ...

<modsnip>

Sorry if I'm rehashing things which have been dicussed, but I'm playing catch up after a busy week.
Where were they killed, I have listened to a few podcasts that mentioned MG was killed at CP's home outside of the vehicle. While Savanah was shot in the car. Is that the current theory?

 

[Seattle1]

BBM

@Herat Mind sharing your source for that information?

“Leon Valley Police are searching for a pregnant teenager last seen at her apartment complex.

The mother of 18-year-old Savanah Nicole Soto said she last heard from her daughter on Friday. The police chief confirmed there is an ongoing missing persons investigation.

Gloria Cordova said Soto was a week past her due date and was set to be induced Saturday night but never showed up to the hospital.”

'Please come home' | CLEAR Alert issued for missing pregnant 18-year-old who was set to be induced

Gloria Cordova said her daughter, Savanah Nicole Soto, was a week past her due date but never showed up at the hospital Saturday to begin labor.

www.kens5.com

Yikes.

Thread #1

@Joe Friday -- While I've also seen the appointment reported by MSM as both 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM, the thread starter post #1 reports SS set to be induced Saturday night, and I think it's been well established by now that SS was expected at the hospital on Saturday evening around 6:30 PM.

Is OP finding contrary info, and what is the importance at this time?

We've heard from the mouth of Gloria Cordova (mother of SS) that her daughter was going to be induced at 6:30 PM, and how she went to the hospital at 6:30 PM and waited for two hours, and SS never arrived at hospital.

The AA references SS's family reported she was to be induced and didn't show for her appointment. In other words, SAPD appears to trust the word of Gloria Cordova that SS had an appointment to be admitted at hospital on 12/23 on Saturday evening.

See Arrest Affidavit dated 1/3/24 pg 1/6:

Slain pregnant teen and her boyfriend each had a gunshot wound, San Antonio police say

While the couple has not been officially identified by the medical examiner, San Antonio police said they suspect the bodies found in a Kia Optima are of 18-year-old Savanah Soto and her boyfriend.

www.nbcnews.com

12/27/23

The city of Leon Valley, which is about 12 miles northwest of San Antonio, had posted on its Facebook page that Soto's delivery date had passed and that her family contacted the San Antonio police because they were concerned after she missed “an essential medical appointment.”

Soto’s mother, Gloria Cordova, said in a Facebook post that her daughter was scheduled to be induced at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and "never showed up."

Dec 24, 2023
Gloria Cordova said her daughter, Savanah Nicole Soto was a week past her due date and was set to be induced Saturday night but never showed up to the hospital.

 

[AppleTreeGreen]

I agree with the DA that the SAPD really did do an outstanding job in their investigating and handling of this case.

 

[Seattle1]

No, I looked at the VINE LINK app yesterday and it showed out of custody.
As did @LovesPeace2 and one other member.

I know what you're are referring to as I saw those posts too.

I think what happened is the Vinelink snaps posted here showed the booking date/time at Jan 4, 6:38 AM CST, and the status timestamp showing RP "Out of Custody" was only an hour later or 7:38 AM CST.

By the next status update by Vinelink (at 12:38 PM CST), Vinelink was correctly showing RP's status as "In-Custody."

In other words, the status time on Vinelink is not reported in real time --I just checked and status timestamp/date on RP has not changed since Jan 4 at 12:38 PM CST. Their website says they update status twice a day but it depends on personnel available, and suggest victims call the jail for accurate information.

*****AS OF 12:07PM PT, NO EVIDENCE ON VINELINK THAT RP HAS BONDED OUT*******​

RAMON PRECIADO​

Custody Record
Age53
GenderMale
RaceWhite

Ethnicity Unknown
Date of Birth Mar **, ****
ID Number0493***
Custody Status Date Jan 04, 2024 12:28 PM CST
Custody Status In Custody
Custody Detail Bexar County Jail
Book Date Jan 04, 2024 06:38 AM CST

LOCATION
Bexar County Jail
100 Dolorosa
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 335-2011
REPORTING AGENCY
Bexar County Sheriff's Office
200 N. Comal St
San Antonio, TX 78207
(210) 335-6000

https://vinelink.vineapps.com/person-detail/offender/36288591;tabIndexToSelect=0

ETA: I'm aware there's a status report from today at 7:38 AM showing RP "not in custody." IMO, without evidence of a bond hearing, I think earlier status is most likely incorrect.

 

[Seattle1]

We have a gun (recovered at CP's residence), and one cell phone located inside the Kia Optima. Do we know if MG's phone has been recovered?

Details emerge of how father-son duo allegedly killed, hid bodies of Savanah Soto, Matthew Guerra

A father and son were arrested Wednesday in connection with the deaths of Savanah Soto and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, late last month, according to San Antonio police. Authorities said they are the sole suspects in the case.

www.ksat.com

Updated 1/4/24

San Antonio police said the critical piece of evidence that led them to the suspects was one of the victim’s cell phones in the vehicle when they discovered Soto and Guerra’s bodies

The phone had recently searched the suspect’s address on Google Maps, where investigators spotted the Chevrolet pickup truck seen in a surveillance video police had shared on Dec. 28.

Officers conducted surveillance at a home on Charlie Chan Drive, where they believed the suspect vehicle was located. The home was located about two blocks away from where the bodies were discovered, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. The drive is less than a mile away, according to Google maps,

Police knocked on the door and Ramon Preciado answered and said he knew why police were there, according to SAPD.

The father and son were then taken into custody and questioned downtown at police headquarters.

 

[SLouTh]

We have a gun (recovered at CP's residence), and one cell phone located inside the Kia Optima. Do we know if MG's phone has been recovered?

In the presser today Chief McManus said phones - pleural … but that is the first mention of MG’s phone….. it is approx 1min 30secs on the video


As kindly transcribed by @cujenn81

Detectives collected the victims’ phones, and with the help of the United States Secret Service who were able to extract information, that led to the development of a possible location of a suspect vehicle that was seen on a surveillance video.

Post in thread 'TX - Savanah Soto, 18, Leon Valley, 22 December 2023 #2 *Arrests*'
Found Deceased - TX - Savanah Soto, 18, Leon Valley, 22 December 2023 #2 *Arrests*


IMO

 

[Cyber sleuth]

Just thinking of probable scenarios. Would expect that MG brought a gun to a drug deal. Especially one with a new client. I keep thinking that CP’s story is very hinky. I think there is a chance that CP brought a gun as well hoping to rob MG and SS and immediately pointed his gun on SS upon entering the back seat of the car. Perhaps he demanded MG to hand over his weapon or harm would come to SS. Once MG handed over the gun it was used against both of them.
I wonder if CP had plans to demand MG and SS to take him to their apartment to rob them of money, drugs and guns. And they refused.
The self defense theory doesn’t hold water for me. The shots to the back of the head don’t make sense if there was a struggle. If MG exited the car at some point to flee then CP would have also fled to safety if he felt threatened. Also he didn’t look strong enough or possess the quick reflexes to wrestle a gun twice and just happen to fire and hit both victims instead of the windows, etc. A scared individual that was just trying to buy weed wouldn’t chase MG if he was attempting escape from the car and gun him down.
The fact that SS looked up the location to meet CP makes me believe they did not have any connection before. To me they would think this was a quick deal with a 19 year old client - easy peasy normal drug deal.
It saddens me that things ended in such a horrible way.

 

[lmdough]

Has there been new charges added to the father RP? Looking at the VINE Network just now his status is showing in custody? If this has been shared please excuse me, I'm confused. Because yesterday it clearly showed he was not in custody.

https://vinelink.vineapps.com/person-detail/offender/36288591;tabIndexToSelect=0

It shows in/out when he's moved to court (magistrate) and back, anytime he's not actually in the same jail location.

 

[Seattle1]

Car of San Antonio man accused in Savanah Soto shooting death vandalized

Pregnant teen Soto and her boyfriend were slain during a drug deal gone bad, San Antonio police allege.

www.sacurrent.com

 

[daybreaking]

One of the provisions of SYG in Texas is that the "ground stander" cannot be engaged in any illegal activity while making an SYG claim.

Ezekiel Gilbert ended up being charged but was eventually acquitted for shooting a prostitute that robbed him, despite prostitution being illegal. ( Jury acquits escort shooter )

When they moved the bodies, CP and RP may not have been familiar with Texas laws, or may have been more concerned about the local community taking extrajudicial action against them regardless of the reason for the shooting. SS's brother's earlier death, and even the vandalism of RP's car after the fact, would argue that they had good reason to be fearful.

The intent to commit the misdemeanor of purchasing marijuana is apparently a Class B misdemeanor, as was the solicitation that Ezekiel Gilbert committed. Section 9-32 specifically says "not otherwise engaged in criminal activity, other than a Class C misdemeanor". Based on that, the prosecutors might be able to get a murder charge past a grand jury, but are going to lose at trial if one person on the jury thinks that purchasing marijuana shouldn't be a crime that invalidates the justification to use deadly force.

If the murder weapon was in fact MG's, you're looking at at someone shooting a drug dealer in their home, at night, with a weapon that they didn't bring to the situation.

 

[GoBuckeyes]

We have a gun (recovered at CP's residence), and one cell phone located inside the Kia Optima. Do we know if MG's phone has been recovered?

Details emerge of how father-son duo allegedly killed, hid bodies of Savanah Soto, Matthew Guerra

A father and son were arrested Wednesday in connection with the deaths of Savanah Soto and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, late last month, according to San Antonio police. Authorities said they are the sole suspects in the case.

www.ksat.com

Updated 1/4/24

San Antonio police said the critical piece of evidence that led them to the suspects was one of the victim’s cell phones in the vehicle when they discovered Soto and Guerra’s bodies

The phone had recently searched the suspect’s address on Google Maps, where investigators spotted the Chevrolet pickup truck seen in a surveillance video police had shared on Dec. 28.

Officers conducted surveillance at a home on Charlie Chan Drive, where they believed the suspect vehicle was located. The home was located about two blocks away from where the bodies were discovered, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. The drive is less than a mile away, according to Google maps,

Police knocked on the door and Ramon Preciado answered and said he knew why police were there, according to SAPD.

The father and son were then taken into custody and questioned downtown at police headquarters.

So, all of this murder and carnage over a little bit of pot? Or is there more to it than that? TIA

 

[SLouTh]

Was anyone else shocked that when LE showed up, they admitted to the murders? That's a rare occurance these days. Yes, Christopher tried to claim self defense - but to even admit anything ...

Yes !! Totally !!!!

Not only did he admit to shooting both SS and MG, and the father admitted to help cover up, but they hadn’t disposed of the weapon, and hadn't lawyered up before Police came knocking, when they had plenty of time to do that … nor had they fled San Antonio …..

It’s quite astonishing … and seems to defy normal fight or flight mechanisms …

IMO

 

[Howl]

Not only did he admit to shooting both SS and MG, and the father admitted to help cover up, but they hadn’t disposed of the weapon, and hadn't lawyered up before Police came knocking, when they had plenty of time to do that … nor had they fled San Antonio …..

It’s quite astonishing … and seems to defy normal fight or flight mechanisms …

I wonder if there is a wife/mother or even a grandparent, someone with common sense and a moral center in that family...perhaps the dad was overcome with guilt...everyone paralyzed by the horror of what had transpired, knowing the life they knew was over, just waiting for the knock at the door.