BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – A recent incident in Bexar County has highlighted the role of technology in crime-solving. A license plate reader was instrumental in the arrest of three suspects connected to a deadly shooting that took place in the early hours of the morning.
The suspects, identified as Kyle Erin Torres-Carcovich (45), Martin Sanchez Jr. (58), and Robert Barnett (38), face serious charges. All three are charged with failure to report a felony resulting in serious bodily injury or death, which is a Class A misdemeanor. Additionally, Sanchez is facing a third-degree felony charge for tampering with physical evidence.
The Incident
The shooting occurred around 2:30 a.m. at the intersection of Waterside Drive and Crestway Road. When deputies arrived, they found a 31-year-old man unresponsive in a black Mitsubishi Lancer, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing a white Volvo sedan parked nearby, driven by a blonde female. As they approached the intersection, the Volvo pulled alongside them, and gunshots rang out from the vehicle.
The white Volvo was tracked by a license plate reader, which detected the vehicle just a minute before the shooting occurred. The investigation led deputies to a home on Clay Oak Drive, associated with the Volvo, where they found Barnett and Torres-Carcovich cleaning the car.
Details from the Investigation
Barnett and Torres-Carcovich were detained when they arrived at the dealership where the Volvo was returned. Their vehicle’s license plate matched the one detected before the shooting.
During interviews with investigators, both Barnett and Torres-Carcovich admitted to knowing about the shooting. Torres-Carcovich claimed that Sanchez had fired the gun from the window, striking the victim’s vehicle. They discussed reporting the incident but ultimately chose not to.
Barnett allegedly recounted Sanchez’s statement before the shooting: “I’m going to light them up.” In a conflicting account, Sanchez suggested the purpose of their meeting was to buy drugs, but his timeline did not match with the evidence collected.
Evidence Collected
Surveillance footage from a nearby gas station showed the three suspects about 40 minutes after the shooting, with Sanchez appearing to rummage through the back seat of the Volvo and disposing of items in a trash can. Investigators later found several shell casings in that trash can, further linking the suspects to the crime.
This case serves as a reminder of how technology, such as license plate readers, can aid law enforcement in solving crimes and ensuring that justice is served.
