SAN ANTONIO – Eight years have elapsed since the tragic shooting death of 18-year-old Charles Roundtree, an incident involving a San Antonio police officer that has since sparked a civil rights lawsuit. As the case was poised to be heard by a federal jury, unexpected developments shifted the course of proceedings.
On Monday, jurors were selected for the civil rights lawsuit against Officer Stephen Casanova and the City of San Antonio. However, the trial took an unforeseen turn on Tuesday when the jury was dismissed, allowing both parties to engage in mediation in hopes of reaching a settlement.
The tragic incident occurred on October 17, 2018, when Officer Casanova fired two shots into a West Side home where Roundtree, along with Davante Snowden and Taylor Singleton, were present. The gunfire resulted in the fatal shooting of Roundtree and left Snowden wounded.
As it stands, Officer Casanova has not faced any criminal charges related to the shooting incident, as a Bexar County grand jury opted not to indict him in 2019. The ongoing civil lawsuit seeks financial compensation for the plaintiffs, alleging violations of their constitutional rights.
Why is this case in federal court?
The decision to pursue the case in federal court followed the conclusion of the criminal investigation, which did not result in an indictment. Despite Officer Casanova’s attempts to prevent the civil trial, he was ultimately unsuccessful.
After years of legal battles, the case had finally reached a point where a jury was selected, and testimony was anticipated. The unexpected pivot towards mediation has brought renewed hope for the plaintiffs, who seek justice and accountability for the loss of life.
Keith Jefferson, the father of Davante Snowden, has been a steadfast presence by his son’s side throughout the lengthy ordeal that followed the shooting. Expressing his anguish, Jefferson stated, “There was a loss of life. My son was shot.”
Jefferson articulated his frustration over the lack of accountability for Casanova and the San Antonio Police Department, saying, “We can get some sort of justice and vindication, if you will, for what happened. And some accountability. I don’t even know if that’s ever going to come.”
What happens next?
As mediation continues, both sides will work towards a possible settlement that could resolve the case without further court proceedings. However, if a mutual agreement is not reached, the jury may reconvene in federal court to hear evidence and potentially render a decision on the matter.
