A Texas man was charged with first-degree homicide for allegedly killing a participant accused of dishonest a poker recreation on Sept. 8, in keeping with Austin’s ABC affiliate (KVUE).
The Austin Police Division (APD) say Martin Tovar, 26, shot and killed 25-year-old Steve Gonzalez, the participant accused of dishonest, following an altercation at a residence on the 2500 block of Teri Street within the Texas capital metropolis whereas throwing cube, per a press launch. However KVUE information studies the affidavit mentions the incident befell throughout a poker recreation.
A 911 caller instructed police that family and friends would usually collect on the dwelling to eat and play poker, in keeping with KXAN, Austin’s NBC affiliate.
Paramedics tried life-saving measures on the scene of the crime, however the sufferer was pronounced useless shortly after the Austin Fireplace Division (AFD) arrived.
Violent Incident Over Playing
Based on a Travis County, Texas affidavit obtained by the native ABC affiliate, an unidentified participant within the dwelling poker recreation accused Gonzalez of dishonest. The 2 started arguing, which included Gonzalez, per police, insulting the person and his household.
Gonzalez then allegedly punched the person within the face, which sparked a fair greater argument between the 2 and others inside the residency. Two gamers within the recreation, together with Tovar, then tried to interrupt up the struggle, to which Gonzalez struck the unidentified participant with a chair.
The scenario would escalate additional after Gonzalez stormed out of the residency, threatening to later return to the scene. Tovar is alleged to have then walked to his GMC Sierra truck to retrieve a handgun, which he fired into the bottom a number of occasions.
The affidavit then states that witnesses noticed Gonzalez come again towards the home with what gave the impression to be a handgun, though the witnesses had been unsure if that was correct, claiming the sufferer stored reaching towards his waistband space.
A caller from the neighborhood to 911 instructed dispatchers she initially heard three gunshots after which three extra. One juvenile witness instructed police she noticed Tovar shoot Gonzalez thrice within the chest.
Tovar was arrested moments later, and it was found that he already had an arrest warrant out for aggravated assault. A witness to the homicide additionally instructed police that she noticed Tovar in possession of the gun Gonzalez had bought him earlier that very same day.
Tovar instructed police a unique story than statements made by the witnesses. The alleged assassin stated that Gonzalez pointed a gun on the man who hit him with a chair in the course of the altercation. He then said that he tried to achieve for the gun, however did not know that it had fired thrice.
Witnesses, nevertheless, declare they by no means noticed Gonzalez holding a gun. Tovar says he left the scene after Gonzalez hit the bottom, and left behind the gun on the scene. However police say no gun was discovered in the course of the investigation.
Tovar faces first-degree homicide expenses and is being held with out bail.
