by | Published
DILLEY, Texas—Aaron Joel Plaza, 30, has been sentenced to 30 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice–Institutional Division for the murder of Severo San Miguel. The sentencing took place on September 10, 2025, in Frio County by District Judge Jennifer Dillingham.
Plaza pleaded guilty to murder on April 28, 2025, as part of a plea agreement that set a maximum punishment of 30 years. During a contested sentencing hearing, Plaza requested the minimum sentence of 5 years, while the State argued for the maximum 30 years. The court ultimately imposed the 30-year sentence.
Evidence presented in court revealed that on the night of October 31, 2023, Plaza entered the Mi Cabana restaurant in Dilley and initiated a verbal altercation with San Miguel, who was dining with family. When San Miguel stood up, Plaza also stood and shot him once in the abdomen.
San Miguel was transported to Frio Regional Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Plaza fled the scene but was apprehended by law enforcement shortly after.
The case was prosecuted by First Assistant Leslie Carranza, with assistance from the Dilley Police Department and the Frio County Sheriff’s Office.
