Family of murder victim attacks suspected killer on witness stand during trial
A violent altercation erupted in a Texas courtroom when the family of a victim confronted the accused killer, Victor Nathaniel Rivas, during a preliminary hearing. The incident stems from the tragic death of 15-year-old Ethan Soto in May 2022, allegedly at the hands of Rivas, in what appears to be a retaliation for a drug-related robbery.
Reports suggest that Rivas enticed the victim from his home after accusing him of stealing THC cartridges. The tension escalated on December 26 when 18-year-old Savannah Soto, who was pregnant, and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, 22, were found dead after being missing for three days. Concerns heightened when neighbors informed the Soto family that they had heard screams before the couple drove away.
Savannah, set to be induced into labor on the same day, was discovered alongside her deceased boyfriend in their car in San Antonio. Her mother, Gloria Cordova, grew anxious after she missed her induction at the hospital. The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear, and authorities are investigating whether the two incidents are connected.
A video from the courtroom captures a chaotic scene as a group of people converged, throwing punches at Rivas. The physical altercation continued until court security intervened. The judge reportedly activated the panic button during the brawl.
Allegedly, the family members, unable to contain their anger, reacted violently. In addition to facing trial for the death of their pregnant family member, Rivas allegedly taunted them in the courtroom. Four individuals were arrested in connection with the brawl—two adult males and two juvenile males. They are expected to face charges of assault and disrupting court proceedings, according to the Bexar County Office.