by | Published
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A Bexar County judge has sentenced a San Antonio man to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the brutal killing of his infant daughter and violent attacks on his family during a domestic violence incident.
On February 27, 2026, Judge Joel Perez of the 437th District Court sentenced Stephen Clare to life without parole for the capital murder of his 11-month-old daughter, Willow. Clare also received life sentences for the attempted capital murder of his 2-year-old daughter, Rosalie, and for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury to his former wife, Mariah Gardner.
The sentencing followed emotional victim impact statements delivered by Gardner and her sons, who described the lasting trauma caused by the attack while honoring Willow’s life and memory.
According to prosecutors, the violence occurred during a domestic disturbance at Gardner’s home in April 2023. Clare shot Gardner multiple times, including once in the face. As she fled the home seeking help, her two sons escaped by breaking windows and running to neighbors for assistance.
Prosecutors said Clare then turned his violence toward the couple’s young daughters, fatally stabbing Willow and seriously injuring Rosalie in an attempt to kill her.
Clare pleaded guilty to all three indictments connected to the case. Under the terms of the plea agreement, he will spend the remainder of his life in prison with no opportunity to appeal.
First Assistant District Attorney Tamara Strauch and Assistant Criminal District Attorney Nathan Morey prosecuted the case, supported by Victim Advocate Norma Alatorre and investigators Anthony Rodriguez and Kenneth Tollett.
“No sentence can ever restore or erase the suffering endured from the loss of Willow, but we have achieved a measure of justice, and I know the family is eternally grateful,” Strauch said following sentencing.
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales praised the prosecution team’s work, calling the outcome “a powerful testament” to their dedication and emphasizing that Clare will no longer pose a threat to the community.
The sentencing concludes a case prosecutors said required years of preparation and investigation, bringing a measure of closure to the surviving family members.
