by | Published
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Robert Carrasco, Jr has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for the murder of Jason Banda, his girlfriend’s brother, following a violent confrontation that unfolded after a family dispute.
Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl handed down the sentence this week in the 175th District Court of Bexar County.
The fatal incident occurred last year after Banda had Carrasco arrested on an outstanding warrant tied to a motion to revoke probation for a previous assault involving Carrasco’s girlfriend, who was also Banda’s sister. Shortly after Carrasco’s release, a confrontation between the two men turned deadly when Carrasco brutally beat Banda to death in front of his sister.
At first, Banda’s sister told investigators her brother had been attacked by unknown individuals. She later admitted Carrasco was responsible. The case took a turn when Carrasco’s mother came forward to report that her son had FaceTimed her and his own child during the assault. That revelation prompted authorities to return to the scene and conduct further investigation, leading the medical examiner to perform additional testing based on the new information.
Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Oscar Pena and Kathryn Pollard prosecuted the case, supported by Victim Advocate Cristina Lopez and Investigator Jose Gonzalez.
“No act of retaliation can ever justify the loss of a life,” said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales. “Our office is dedicated to pursuing justice for victims and preventing this kind of violence from taking root in our community.”
