Daughter seeks answers after manslaughter case dismissed in fatal motorcycle crash

A fatal motorcycle crash caught on camera led to a manslaughter indictment against a driver. But nearly a year after the driver was indicted, prosecutors dismissed the case.

Now, the daughter of Pablo Villanueva is asking the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office to reconsider its decision and reopen the case.

Video obtained by KSAT shows a truck turning in front of Pablo Villanueva’s motorcycle on Callaghan Road on June 3, 2024. The motorcycle crashes into the truck, killing him.

Paula Villanueva says she wants people to see the video and understand why she believes her father’s case deserves another look.

“At first, it seemed promising. I was told manslaughter charges would be applied, but then they took it back,” she said.

The driver was arrested and indicted in October 2025. The manslaughter charge was dismissed in April 2026.

“When they told me it wasn’t going to happen, I was angry. I was confused and I was heartbroken,” Paula Villanueva said.

She also questions whether the driver was properly evaluated for impairment after the crash, saying she believes an automatic sobriety test should be conducted when a crash results in someone’s death. According to documents obtained by KSAT 12, a sobriety test wasn’t done, and the driver was even allowed to go home.

Former prosecutor questions case, but says evidence matters

Oscar Salinas, a former prosecutor who now works as a defense attorney, said the video could help explain why the case initially went before a grand jury.

“I think at first glance, I could see why the case was taken to a grand jury and ultimately indicted,” Salinas said. “But without knowing all the evidence, I can’t give you an opinion about whether it could have been proven beyond reasonable doubt.”

Salinas said one potential misstep in the criminal justice system is indicting cases that ultimately cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

He also said the DA’s office could potentially reopen the case and consider a lesser charge, such as criminally negligent homicide.

DA’s office says evidence did not meet legal threshold

The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office told KSAT that prosecutors conducted a thorough review of the evidence and determined it did not meet the legal threshold for manslaughter.

The office said it explained the decision and the relevant evidentiary standards to Villanueva’s family before the dismissal.

Prosecutors also discussed the possibility of a civil negligence claim, explaining that civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases but would need to be pursued independently by the family.

The DA’s office said it maintained communication with the family, including a follow-up in September 2026, and encouraged them to contact the office or their victim advocate with questions.

Daughter wants case reopened

For Paula Villanueva, the dismissal has not ended her fight for answers.

“I want the case to be reopened,” she said.

She wants prosecutors to explain to her personally why they believe the evidence did not establish negligence in the crash.

“My dad showed up for his whole life for his children. It’s my turn to show up for him. I don’t want to give up,” she said.

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