SAN ANTONIO — A 25-year-old man was charged and booked for the killing of Michael Echaniz, a local 23-year-old teacher who died after he was shot multiple times at Eckert Heights Apartments earlier this month, police say.
According to SAPD Lt. Michelle Ramos, Mathew Wiessing was previously questioned in the homicide investigation after police were contacted by one of his relatives, but he was released after authorities didn't find probable cause.
More recently, authorities discovered new evidence linking him to the crime scene, including surveillance video of him arriving just before the shooting and leaving immediately after the gunfire.
Wiessing was arrested this week without incident, Ramos said. It's believed the suspect was previously romantically involved with a woman Echaniz was in a relationship with at the time of his death.
Echaniz's body was found in the parking lot of his northwest side apartment complex on the morning of March 10. A report from the Bexar County Medical Examiner later stated Echaniz died from multiple gunshot wounds, ruling his death as a homicide.
School officials from Great Hearts Forest Heights previously confirmed to KENS 5 that Echaniz was a teacher at the charter school.
Friday, Great Hearts send the following letter to families:
Great Hearts San Antonio Families,
Today, the San Antonio Police Department made an arrest in connection to the tragic death of Michael Echaniz on March 10th. Mr. Echaniz was a Teacher Assistant and beloved colleague at Great Hearts Forest Heights.
The suspect arrested is Matthew Wiessing, a former Great Hearts Texas employee who was a Teacher Assistant at Forest Heights until resigning in August of 2021. Prior to working at Forest Heights, Mr. Wiessing spent one year in the same role at Great Hearts Irving.
The case is in the hands of the legal system, and we will continue to cooperate with law enforcement. All questions regarding the case should be directed to the San Antonio Police Department. As local authorities continue their work, Mr. Echaniz’ family, friends, and students are ever in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Brendan Miniter
Superintendent, Great Hearts Texas