by | Published
ATASCOSA COUNTY, Texas - An Atascosa County jury has sentenced a man to life in prison for the 2023 murder of Jorge Erosa, according to the 81st District Attorney's Office.
On June 2, 2026, jurors sentenced Samuel Ponce following his conviction in the fatal shooting of Erosa.
The case stemmed from an Aug. 21, 2023, shooting in which Erosa was shot outside his home. Despite efforts by medical personnel at Brooke Army Medical Center, he later died from his injuries.
Investigators spent months gathering evidence and identifying the person responsible for the killing. Authorities said security camera footage captured the shooting, while additional evidence included social media communications, witness testimony, ballistic analysis, and the recovery of the murder weapon from Ponce's possession.
During the punishment phase of the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Ponce committed a second murder later the same night. Jurors also heard testimony regarding an assault on a jailer while Ponce was awaiting trial.
Prosecutors argued that the evidence demonstrated a continuing pattern of violent behavior.
"Atascosa County may be close to San Antonio, but our community has made it clear that we will not tolerate the drug and gun violence that has plagued other areas," the District Attorney's Office said in a statement. "This jury sent a powerful message that those who bring violence into our neighborhoods will be held fully accountable."
Officials praised the jury for its service and credited numerous law enforcement agencies, forensic experts, victim advocates, and prosecutors who assisted in the case.
Among those recognized were Texas Ranger Lt. Shane Staley, Ranger Terry Snyder, former Jourdanton Police Department officers Maricarmen Kaufman and Joshua Walker, Pleasanton Police Lt. Jordan Haren, members of the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office, the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory.
The District Attorney's Office also commended prosecutors Erika Price, Scott Simpson, and Kenny Lam, along with analyst Karen Dziuk and victim advocate Katie Quinney for their work during the trial.
Officials said the conviction was the result of extensive cooperation among investigators, forensic specialists, victim advocates, and prosecutors.
The statement concluded by recognizing the lasting impact of the crime on Erosa's family.
"Most importantly, we remember Jorge Erosa," the District Attorney's Office said. "Our thoughts remain with his family and loved ones as they continue to live with the loss caused by this senseless act of violence."
