Justin Hernandez Obituary, Death – The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) has publicly identified the three officers involved in the fatal shooting of a man during a mental health call late Saturday night. In a news release issued Tuesday, SAPD confirmed that Officers Kevin Nguyen, William O’Brien, and Samuel Whiteside were the ones who discharged their weapons during the incident. All three officers have been with the department for approximately two years.
The incident occurred at a Knights Inn located in the 4000 block of East Houston Street, near Interstate 10. SAPD reported that the officers were dispatched to the hotel at around 11:56 p.m. on Saturday in response to a mental health call. Preliminary reports indicate that the man, later identified as 34-year-old Justin Hernandez, was inside one of the hotel rooms, cutting himself with a sharp instrument.
According to initial statements from SAPD Chief William McManus at the scene, the officers were responding to a call made by someone else in the room. However, subsequent official reports from the department have not referenced the presence of any additional individuals during the incident. When Nguyen, O’Brien, and Whiteside arrived and attempted to speak with Hernandez, police said he threatened the officers and charged toward them while still holding the cutting instrument.
Fearing for their safety, the three officers fired their weapons, striking Hernandez. Emergency personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. No other individuals were injured during the confrontation. Following the shooting, SAPD placed the officers on administrative duty pending further review, in line with departmental policy for incidents involving the use of deadly force.
On Monday night, the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office officially identified the deceased as Justin Hernandez and ruled his death a homicide. The ruling confirms that Hernandez’s death resulted from the actions of another person, in this case, the officers’ use of firearms.
SAPD has initiated multiple investigative procedures in response to the shooting. The department’s Shooting Team and Internal Affairs unit will conduct separate inquiries into the incident to ensure a thorough and impartial review. Findings from both investigations will be submitted to the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, following SAPD protocol. The DA’s office will ultimately review the evidence and determine whether any criminal charges are warranted.
The case highlights the challenges law enforcement officers face when responding to mental health emergencies, where individuals may pose a danger to themselves or others. It also underscores the importance of careful review and transparency in police-involved shootings. As the investigations proceed, SAPD has emphasized that the priority is to determine the facts surrounding the incident and ensure accountability while maintaining public trust.
Community members and local authorities are closely monitoring the ongoing investigations into Hernandez’s death. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available, with the goal of clarifying the events leading to the tragic loss of life during what began as a mental health response.
