Three San Antonio police officers were charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of a San Antonio woman. The incident happened early Friday morning in the 6200 block of Old Pearsall Road.
Firefighters initially responded to the Rosemont at Miller’s Pond apartments, where it was reported a woman was cutting wires to a fire alarm system outside the apartment complex.
Police responded to the disturbance shortly afterward. After briefly speaking with police, the woman ran to her apartment and locked her door.
The woman, 46-year-old Melissa Perez, appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis, according to authorities. Officers followed her to her apartment and tried to force their way in. Officials said she threatened the officers with a hammer, and they opened fire on her.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
"After reviewing the evidence of this case and speaking with the district attorney's Civil Rights Division, warrants were issued for the three officers who shot and killed Melissa Perez. The three officers are being charged with murder,” said San Antonio Police Chief McManus in a press conference Friday evening. “They've already been taken into custody. The three officers have been suspended without pay.”
Sgt. Alfred Flores and Officers Eleazar Alejandro and Nathaniel Villalobos were arrested Friday and released on $100,000 bond on Saturday.
McManus said internal affairs investigated the incident.
"Once SAPD completes their investigation, the Civil Rights Division will fully review the evidence and prepare the cases for presentation to the Grand Jury," District Attorney Joe Gonzales said in a statement.
McManus also addressed the victim's family.
"Our condolences to Melissa Perez's entire family,” McManus said. “I want to assure her daughter that this incident will continue to be thoroughly investigated, as are all officer-involved shootings."
ACT4SA, a non-profit organization that focuses on police accountability, condemned the actions of the officers.
“We acknowledge the speed in which these officers have been charged, but let’s be honest — this senseless loss of life should never have occurred,” said Executive Director Ananda Tomas. “True justice would have been responding to a community member having a mental health crisis in a compassionate manner. True justice would be Melissa still being here with us today.”
An attorney who represents Perez's family said they plan to file a lawsuit against the city over her death in the coming days.
