Adis Hernandez-Rivas (Bexar County Sheriff’s Office).
In a chilling tale of confrontation turned deadly, a Texas man faced justice this week for his role in a murder stemming from a monetary dispute—a crime that ended with the weapon being hidden in an unusual place.
Adis Hernandez-Rivas, aged 24, was handed a 30-year prison term for the murder of Duniel Valladares Fernandez, as announced by the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. This sentencing follows Hernandez-Rivas’s acceptance of a plea deal, finally bringing closure to a legal ordeal that dragged on for more than three years.
The deadly encounter unfolded on February 16, 2023, when Hernandez-Rivas and a co-defendant, 34-year-old Marco Antonio Moreno Vasquez, arrived at a residence on the 7700 block of Winsford Drive in San Antonio. Inside was Valladares Fernandez, the man they had seemingly come to confront.
According to law enforcement, the tension between the men centered on a financial disagreement. Fueling the volatility, Moreno Vasquez equipped Hernandez-Rivas with a gun and directed him to use it during their heated exchange.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by the San Antonio Express-News, a home security camera captured Valladares Fernandez walking to the front gate of the property and meeting the two men, whose license plate was also shown. The men could be seen talking and getting more animated — before Hernandez-Rivas reached for something in his pocket, raised his arm, as if he were holding something, and pointed it at Valladares Fernandez, police said.
Hernandez-Rivas’ arm appeared to recoil as if a gun was fired, authorities added. Law enforcement officers and emergency personnel responded to the scene and brought the victim to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Days later, law enforcement officers in Atascosa County spotted the suspects’ vehicle during a traffic stop, and both men were arrested.
When searching Moreno Vasquez’ home, investigators found the murder weapon “concealed inside a refrigerator among food items,” according to the DA’s office.
“Ballistics testing confirmed that the firearm matched the shell casings recovered from the scene of the homicide,” the agency added.
Moreno Vasquez was previously convicted and sentenced to 40 years in prison “for his role in the murder.”
“This case demonstrates that everyone who plays a role in a violent crime will be held accountable,” Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said. “Today’s sentence brings another measure of justice for Duniel Valladares Fernandez and his loved ones. I want to thank our prosecutors, investigators, victim advocate, and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing this case through to its conclusion.”
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