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Inset left: Raymond Hernandez (Bexar County Adult Detention Center). Inset right: Leonel Chavez, Jr. (Rose Garden Funeral Home). Background: A section of the 800 block of West Baetz Boulevard in San Antonio, Texas (Google Maps).
A Texas man has been sentenced for the fatal shooting of a tattoo artist following a heated dispute, after which he left the scene with the firearm used in the crime.
Raymond Hernandez, 33, received a 45-year prison term from Judge Jennifer Pena of the 290th Criminal District Court, as reported by the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.
Hernandez was convicted of first-degree murder for the killing of 46-year-old Leonel Chavez, Jr., which occurred several years ago.
The incident took place on April 2, 2021, at a residence on the 800 block of West Baetz Boulevard in San Antonio. Chavez, a tattoo artist, was in the process of tattooing someone when the altercation unfolded.
Hernandez, who was present at the scene, reportedly engaged in an argument with Chavez. According to the DA’s office, the confrontation escalated when Hernandez drew a gun and fatally shot Chavez.
The witness there said they “heard the gunshot, watched Chavez fall from his injuries, and reported the shooting after confronting Hernandez.” The defendant, for his part, “fled the scene,” and was captured on surveillance footage less than a mile from the home still holding the murder weapon.
Hernandez was arrested. On the day in question, he had also been at the residence to get a tattoo when he killed Chavez, according to San Antonio ABC affiliate KSAT.
The district attorney celebrated the guilty verdict.
“Today’s conviction and sentencing uphold our commitment to holding offenders accountable and reassure our community that we will continue to work diligently to protect and serve,” Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said.