In a heartbreaking case from San Antonio, Texas, a couple was sentenced to over a decade in prison.
This punishment comes after their pit bulls attacked and killed an 81-year-old man in 2023.
Christian Moreno and his wife, Abilene Schnieder, were sentenced to prison for their actions.
Moreno received 18 years and Schnieder got 15 years in prison.
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| Christian Moreno and his wife, Abilene Schnieder |
The Deadly Attack
The tragic incident took place on February 24, 2023, near the couple's home.
It resulted in the death of Ramon Najera and injuries to his wife, Juanita Najera.
On that fateful day, Ramon and Juanita Najera were running errands in their neighborhood.
Suddenly, they were attacked by the pit bulls, which had escaped from Moreno and Schnieder's house.
The vicious mauling left 81-year-old Ramon dead and his wife seriously injured.
Firefighters who responded to the scene were met with a horrifying sight.
According to the city’s fire chief, the firefighters witnessed Ramon Najera being dragged by the dogs around a corner.
They say his body was bloodied and badly battered.
In a desperate effort to save him, firefighters had to use pickaxes to fend off the relentless animals.
Despite their efforts, Ramon succumbed to his injuries, leaving his wife and the community devastated.
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| Ramon Najera and injuries to his wife, Juanita Najera |
A Preventable Tragedy
As details of the case unfolded, it became clear that this tragedy could have been prevented.
Officials revealed that the dogs had previously been reported as aggressive and roaming freely in the neighborhood.
Complaints about the couple’s failure to properly secure the dogs had been made prior to the attack.
Bexar County Animal Care Services confirmed that the three dogs involved in the fatal attack were off their property when the mauling occurred.
They were euthanized shortly after the incident.
The Bexar County District Attorney's office charged Christian Moreno and Abilene Schnieder with criminal negligence.
He pointed out their failure to maintain adequate fencing and proper control their animals.
This negligence ultimately led to the horrific attack that claimed a life and left a family in mourning.
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| Ramon Najera |
Sentencing and Courtroom Testimonies
The courtroom was filled with emotion as Juanita Najera, the widow of Ramon Najera, spoke about the devastating impact the attack has had on her life.
Fighting back tears, she described the overwhelming sense of loss and trauma she now carries.
"I would never have imagined I’d be calling myself a widow at this time in my life, and in this tragic way," Juanita told the court.
She went on to share that she now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the attack.
"PTSD is now something I will have to deal with for the rest of my life. Extreme loneliness and emptiness will also be a part of my life."
Her voice filled with anguish, Juanita directly addressed Moreno and Schnieder in court.
"You both took a big part of my life away. You took my better half away," she said, her hand covering her mouth as she sobbed.
Criminal Negligence and Guilty Plea
The case against Moreno and Schnieder revolved around their failure to act responsibly as dog owners.
Both pleaded guilty on August 30, 2023, to the charge of "attack by dog resulting in death."
The prosecution argued that this tragedy was entirely avoidable had the couple taken proper precautions to secure their pit bulls.
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales condemned their negligence in a statement following the sentencing.
"This unfortunate tragedy was preventable. The defendants’ failure to act responsibly and secure their pit bulls resulted in injuries and the loss of a life," Gonzales said.
During sentencing, Judge Velia J. Meza expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of responsible dog ownership.
"Mr. Moreno, Ms. Schnieder, this is about responsible dog ownership," the judge said.
"It involves not only taking care of your dog, but ensuring the safety of the people in our neighborhoods, in our communities," he added.
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| Christian Moreno and his wife, Abilene Schnieder |
Legal Consequences and Conditions of Parole
The court's decision to impose lengthy prison sentences reflects the severity of the couple's negligence.
Moreno was sentenced to 18 years in prison, while Schnieder received a 15-year sentence.
In addition to their prison terms, the couple faces strict conditions should they be granted parole.
As part of their parole terms, both are permanently prohibited from owning or possessing dogs in the future.
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| Christian Moreno and his wife, Abilene Schnieder |
The death of Ramon Najera has left a lasting impact on his family and the wider community.
As San Antonio residents reflect on the outcome of this tragedy, it stands as a clear reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership.
For Ramon Najera’s family, no sentence can undo the devastating loss they have endured.
However, the court’s decision provides a sense of accountability and justice for the preventable tragedy that claimed his life.
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