Jurors Convict Christopher Preciado in Capital Murder of Couple and Unborn Child
A Bexar County jury found Christopher Preciado guilty Thursday afternoon. The 21-year-old was convicted in the December 2023 killings of Matthew Guerra, Savanah Soto and their unborn child.
Verdict and sentence
Jurors convicted Christopher Preciado after about one hour and 56 minutes of deliberations. He received a life sentence with no possibility of parole.
Prosecutors and defense lawyers made closing arguments the same morning. Judge Jennifer Pena presided in the 290th Criminal District Court.
Trial timeline and witnesses
Jury selection began on March 16. The trial then lasted seven days in court.
The state called 36 witnesses. Testimony ended Wednesday afternoon when both sides rested.
- Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies
- An expert witness
- Family members of the victims
- Ramon Preciado and Myrta Romanos were listed but not questioned
Facts of the case
Soto and Guerra were last heard from on Dec. 21, 2023. Soto missed a scheduled induction on Dec. 22.
Family members reported Soto missing. Authorities issued a statewide CLEAR Alert on Dec. 25.
On Dec. 26, 2023, police found both victims dead inside Guerra’s vehicle. The vehicle was at a Leon Valley apartment complex.
Arrests and related charges
Christopher Preciado was arrested on Jan. 3, 2024. He was 19 at the time and charged with capital murder.
His father, Ramon Preciado, faced charges of tampering with evidence and abuse of a human corpse. Ramon was released in February 2025 after bond was reduced.
Preciado’s mother, Myrta Romanos, was later arrested on allegations she tried to help conceal the crime. Prosecutors later dismissed her charges after a scheduling dispute.
Alleged motive and affidavit details
Police say the dispute began during a drug deal. An arrest affidavit states Guerra pulled a gun during the altercation.
The affidavit quotes Preciado saying he “manipulated” the weapon. Soto and Guerra were shot in that encounter.
Coverage and courtroom rules
The judge declined to allow a livestream of the trial. Filmogaz.com provided continuous updates from inside the courtroom.
The case moved forward after co-defendant charges were dropped or resolved. The jury’s decision concluded the criminal trial phase.
