SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A Bexar County jury has sentenced Christopher Preciado to life in prison without the possibility of parole after he was convicted of capital murder in the deaths of Savanah Soto, her partner Matthew Guerra, and their unborn son. The verdict, delivered on March 26, comes following a harrowing trial that highlighted the tragic circumstances surrounding the couple’s disappearance and subsequent murder.
The case captured the attention of the San Antonio community after Soto failed to appear for a scheduled induction appointment on December 22, 2023. Prosecutors asserted that Preciado lured Soto and Guerra to a drug-related meeting under false pretenses and then killed them. In a disturbing turn, family members of Preciado allegedly assisted in concealing the crime by moving the bodies.
Judge Jennifer Pena announced the jury’s unanimous decision shortly before 2:30 p.m., after nearly two hours of deliberation. District Attorney Joe Gonzales described the ruling as a significant step toward justice, although he acknowledged the profound grief felt by the families involved. The jury’s decision marked an important moment for those who knew the victims, especially for the family of Soto, who had named their unborn son Fabian.
The public’s concern grew rapidly following Soto’s disappearance, prompting her family to report her missing when she did not show up for her appointment. Relatives of Guerra were similarly unable to contact him. On Christmas Day, authorities issued a statewide alert, and the following day, the vehicle linked to Guerra was discovered parked behind a building, revealing a scene that shocked investigators. Both victims had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
Prosecutors built a compelling case, presenting 36 witnesses and an array of supporting evidence, including surveillance footage and phone records. The prosecution contended that Preciado’s meeting with Soto and Guerra was orchestrated as a robbery. During closing arguments, prosecutor Ross Lewis stated bluntly, “Three deaths. $300,” emphasizing the motive behind the heinous act.
As the prosecution detailed their case, evidence emerged linking Preciado to a Chevrolet Silverado associated with his family. Investigators noted that the vehicle appeared near the location where the bodies were found shortly after the murders. In a chilling development, it was alleged that Preciado’s father was also involved, having been seen with his son as they allegedly attempted to clean the crime scene.
In contrast, Preciado’s defense team argued that no physical evidence linked him to the shooting, pointing out the lack of witnesses or DNA that could definitively tie him to the crime. They highlighted inconsistencies in the prosecution’s narrative and emphasized the absence of direct evidence implicating Preciado. However, the prosecution countered that the cleanup of the crime scene and subsequent actions taken by Preciado and his associates painted a clear picture of premeditated murder.
Further complicating the case was the connection to a robbery, as evidence revealed that two individuals had pawned items belonging to Guerra shortly after the murders, suggesting an intent to profit from their crimes. With the prosecution opting not to seek the death penalty, a life sentence without parole became the automatic consequence of the capital murder conviction.
Following the sentencing, family members expressed their grief and anger directly to Preciado. Soto’s grandmother remarked that he would ultimately regret his actions, while Guerra’s father reflected on the profound impact his son had on his life. Outside the courtroom, relatives of Guerra felt a measure of vindication, though the loss left an indelible mark on their lives.
Preciado has filed a motion for a new trial, claiming the jury’s decision contradicted both the law and available evidence. A hearing is scheduled for June 10, while the case against his father remains pending, continuing the complex legal proceedings surrounding this tragic incident.