SAN ANTONIO — A 19-year-old man has been re-arrested for allegedly killing two teens at a San Antonio motel, just a week after the Bexar County district attorney dismissed murder charges on the basis of "incomplete evidence."
Kristian Ray Belmudez was first taken into custody in March after police charged him with killing Gabriel Sanchez and Sanaa McNeil, a young couple found shot dead at a northeast-side motel in January. He was released on July 8, angering the loved ones of victims who for weeks worked to gather leads on the murders.
Jassidy Sanchez is Gabriel's mother. She spoke to KENS 5 about the latest developments of Belmudez being back in jail.
"I was like Oh My God," she said. "Praise God. “I hope they don't release him again. Let’s keep him in jail."
"Our office will now revisit the capital murder charges against Mr. Belmudez in light of additional details and evidence obtained by SAPD," Bexar County DA Joe Gonzales said in a statement Wednesday. "Upon indictment, our office must then have enough evidence to convict Mr. Belmudez beyond a reasonable doubt."
Surveillance footage previously obtained from a convenience store showed the victims meeting with a man who investigators believe to be Belmudez, according to an arrest affidavit.
Records state Belmudez on Tuesday admitted to being the man in that footage while being interrogated by police, presumably for the first time in the investigation. However, "he could not remember where he was before or after the stop" at the store, and "only remembered waking up at home," according to the affidavit.
"That was pretty much the evidence," she said. "That is all they needed. That's all pretty much the detective told me, he is like if that's him there then that makes him our killer."
Belmudez has been formally charged with capital murder in the deaths of Sanchez and McNeil, and is jailed on a $1 million bond. Both victims were also 19 years old.
"Now that they have him back in jail, I am hoping and praying this is where they leave it,"Jassidy said. "And they keep him in there. I do hope that Kristian does come to his senses."
The complete statement from the Bexar County District Attorney's Office is below:
"Further investigation by the San Antonio Police Department has resulted in the re-arrest of Kristian Ray Belmudez, 19, who had previously been charged with capital murder in the deaths of two other 19 year-old San Antonio residents. We express our thanks to the San Antonio Police Department for their continued dedication to this case.
"In accordance with the law, our office will now revisit the capital murder charges against Mr. Belmudez in light of additional details and evidence obtained by SAPD. Upon indictment, our office must then have enough evidence to convict Mr. Belmudez beyond a reasonable doubt.
"The Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's Office remains committed to ensuring a fair and just legal process for all parties involved. As legal process involving Kristian Ray Belmudez continues, we will work diligently to uphold the principles of justice, maintain the integrity of our criminal justice system, and protect the rights of victims of crime."
This is a developing story. Check back with KENS5.com for updates.
>MORE LOCAL NEWS:
>TRENDING ON KENS 5 YOUTUBE:
---
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members.