A Bexar County jury on Monday found all three former San Antonio police officers charged in the killing of Melissa Perez not guilty on all counts, ending a monthlong trial.

The charges stemmed from a June 23, 2023 shooting inside Perez’s Southwest Side apartment. Perez, 46, had been experiencing a mental health episode when officers responded that night.

Former officers Eleazar Alejandro and Alfred Flores were charged with murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and deadly conduct. Former officer Nathaniel Villalobos faced aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and deadly conduct charges. All were acquitted.

According to body-camera descriptions and city statements, Perez initially spoke with officers outside her unit before retreating inside and locking the door. The three officers moved to a back patio, where Perez broke a window with a hammer and threw objects toward them. The officers then fired through the window, killing her.

City officials moved quickly following the shooting: the officers were arrested within 24 hours, and Police Chief William McManus said their actions “were not consistent” with SAPD policy or with department training for mental-health calls. A later review found the officers failed to follow several long-standing directives, including de-escalation requirements and guidance on safely handling barricaded subjects. 

Perez’s family filed a civil wrongful death lawsuit that was dismissed by a judge on Sept. 29. 

A spokesperson for the Bexar County District Attorney’s office said the office “respects the jury’s verdict and has no further comment.”