Anthony Barrera, Alek Pacheco Obituary, Death – The San Marcos Police Department is actively seeking another suspect and a witness in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred in Downtown San Marcos early Saturday morning, which left two people dead and another injured. Authorities are specifically trying to locate 19-year-old Avery Saul Bowman, believed to be a suspect in the case. They are also hoping to identify and contact a witness who may have recorded the incident on video.
According to information shared at a Sunday press conference, police received a call at around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday regarding a reported stabbing near a downtown bar. However, when officers arrived, they discovered that two individuals had actually been shot in the head. One of the victims, 24-year-old Anthony Barrera, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, 20-year-old Alek Pacheco, was rushed to Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in San Marcos but later died from his injuries at around 2:15 a.m. A third individual sustained a gunshot wound to the foot and was treated and released from a hospital.
Investigators shared that the confrontation may have stemmed from a personal dispute. Barrera was reportedly dating a woman who was still legally married. Her husband allegedly confronted Barrera inside the bar. The dispute escalated outside, continuing on the sidewalk near the intersection of East San Antonio and Guadalupe streets. While the husband’s identity has not been released and no charges have been filed against him at this time, police have said the situation quickly became more chaotic.
During the confrontation, another individual approached Barrera and tore a necklace from his neck, leading Barrera to redirect his attention away from the husband and towards this new aggressor. A physical fight ensued. Police say this second individual has been identified and that a capital murder warrant has been issued for his arrest.
At some point during the altercation, a handgun was fired multiple times — police estimate approximately eight rounds were discharged. These gunshots led to the deaths of Barrera and Pacheco and the injury to the third victim. Many people fled the scene after the shooting, but police were able to detain four individuals several blocks away.
One of the people arrested, 19-year-old Jermiah Jayden Tobias, is now facing two counts of capital murder and one count of aggravated assault. His bond has been set at \$1.65 million.
Additionally, a 16-year-old male was taken into custody Saturday night in connection to an unrelated aggravated robbery that had taken place about two weeks prior to the shooting incident.
Police continue their investigation and urge anyone with information — especially regarding the whereabouts of Avery Saul Bowman or the witness who may have video footage — to contact the San Marcos Police Department at 512-753-2108.
