BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – The capital murder trial of Christopher Preciado, a 21-year-old accused of killing a young couple and their unborn child, is currently underway. The trial began with opening statements from both the state and the defense, followed by witness testimonies that started on Tuesday.
Preciado has been charged with capital murder in relation to the tragic deaths of Savanah Soto, her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, and their unborn child. The presiding judge for this case is Jennifer Pena from Bexar County’s 290th Criminal District Court.
On Tuesday, one of the first witnesses to take the stand was Joanie Wasil, who had previously dated Soto’s brother. Wasil recounted a chilling moment when she received a text indicating Guerra’s car might be at an apartment complex. Upon checking the vehicle, she discovered Soto in the passenger seat with a baby car seat positioned on top of her.
If found guilty, Preciado could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Background of the Case
Savanah Soto was expecting to give birth to her son and was supposed to be induced on December 22, 2023, but she never arrived for her appointment. Soto and Guerra were last heard from on December 21, according to statements from their family and police.
Concerned for their safety, Soto’s family reported her missing, leading to a statewide CLEAR Alert issued on Christmas Day.
Tragically, on December 26, 2023, police discovered the bodies of Soto and Guerra in Guerra’s vehicle at an apartment complex in Leon Valley.
Christopher Preciado was arrested on January 3, 2024, shortly after the incident, and charged with capital murder. Additionally, his father, Ramon Preciado, faced charges of tampering with evidence and abuse of a human corpse. Later, Myrta Romanos, Christopher’s mother, was also arrested for allegedly attempting to help cover up the crime.
The families of Soto and Guerra reported that they did not know the Preciados. Investigations revealed that the dispute that led to the killings originated from a drug deal. In an arrest affidavit, Christopher Preciado claimed that Guerra brandished a gun at him, and during the confrontation, both Soto and Guerra were shot.
As the trial progresses, it is expected to last more than a week. The witness list includes various law enforcement officials, expert witnesses, and family members from both the Guerra and Soto families. It remains uncertain whether Ramon Preciado and Myrta Romanos will be called to testify.
