by | Published
HONDO, Texas — Authorities in Hondo have secured indictments in connection with the 2013 death of a 17-month-old child after the case was reexamined more than a decade later.
According to Hondo Police Chief Justin Soza, the indictments stem from the death of Adrian Constante, who was found unresponsive on June 30, 2013.
Officers were dispatched at approximately 3:13 p.m. to 231 Stagecoach Drive, Apartment 1103, after a report that a child was not breathing. When officers arrived, Community EMS personnel were performing lifesaving measures on the infant.
The child was transported by AirLife to Methodist Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, where Adrian was later pronounced deceased.
The case remained inactive for years until September 2024, when an evidence technician conducting a routine inventory located items connected to the investigation. The discovery occurred as the department worked toward Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Accreditation, which included improvements to evidence management procedures and case review practices.
Following the discovery, Chief Soza and Assistant Chief Garza directed the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) to reopen the case.
Detectives conducted additional interviews, reviewed the original evidence, and reanalyzed statements and reports from the initial investigation.
After completing the review, the case was presented to the Medina County District Attorney’s Office, which brought the evidence before a Medina County Grand Jury.
The grand jury returned indictments against two individuals:
Marissa Lopez (aged 34) — Injury to a Child, Elderly Individual, or Disabled Individual by Omission
Isaac Rene Nira (aged 30) — Injury to a Child, Elderly Individual, or Disabled Individual by Commission and Omission
Authorities said Isaac Nira is currently incarcerated within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on unrelated charges.
Marissa Lopez was arrested on March 13, 2026, and booked into the Medina County Jail following the indictment.
“I want to commend the officers, detectives, and staff of the Hondo Police Department for their professionalism and dedication in ensuring this case received a thorough review. Our department has been working diligently toward Texas Police Chiefs Association Accreditation, which has led to improvements in our policies, procedures, and internal review processes. Those efforts reflect our commitment to professionalism, accountability, and pursuing justice for victims and their families. I also want to thank the Medina County District Attorney’s Office for their partnership and assistance in presenting this case to the grand jury," said Chief Soza.
