80-Year Sentence for Austin Man in Fatal Accident
In the city of Round Rock, an Austin man has been sentenced to 80 years in prison for the murder of a 14-year-old boy. Leandro Brito-Martinez, 28, was found guilty by a Williamson County jury after a tragic incident that occurred on July 31, 2022. The victim, Tobias “Victor” Soto, was killed when Brito-Martinez crashed a stolen vehicle into him while trying to escape from law enforcement.
Details of the Incident
According to the Williamson County district attorney’s office, the police were alerted to a stolen vehicle heading west on Gattis School Road through a law enforcement traffic camera system. Officers quickly located the vehicle in the La Frontera area and attempted to pull it over by activating their emergency lights. However, Brito-Martinez chose to evade capture, accelerating to nearly 100 mph as he swerved through traffic on Louis Henna Boulevard.
Despite the officers’ attempts to disengage, Brito-Martinez ran a red light and collided with another vehicle at an intersection, tragically hitting and killing Tobias Soto, who was walking there at the time. The whole incident unfolded within mere seconds and over a distance of less than a quarter of a mile.
Tobias Soto’s Background
Tobias Soto was a rising star, set to become a freshman at Round Rock High School and expressed his desire to play football. His mother had been worried when she hadn’t heard from him after he went to visit a friend. As she approached the intersection, she saw the emergency responders and learned the devastating news about her son.
Brito-Martinez’s On-going Legal Issues
Before this incident, Brito-Martinez had a lengthy criminal record, which included charges for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and resisting arrest. At the time of the murder, he was also facing pending charges related to fleeing from a police officer and assault on a public servant.
After the crash, Brito-Martinez attempted to flee on foot but was later caught by Round Rock police. He admitted to seeing the police behind him and stated that he intended to flee regardless of their attempts to stop him. His actions that day resulted in a senseless tragedy that has impacted many lives.
Reactions from Officials
Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick expressed his condolences to Tobias Soto’s family during a press conference. He acknowledged the significant emotional toll cases involving the death of a child take on everyone involved. “Our hearts go out to Tobias’ mother and family, as well as all of the first responders and witnesses to this horrific event,” he said.
He added that Brito-Martinez’s conviction serves as a reminder of the dedication that law enforcement and prosecution teams have towards seeking justice for victims and their families. “This conviction is a testament to the tireless efforts of our law enforcement and prosecution teams. Brito-Martinez’s actions resulted in a senseless tragedy, and today’s verdict ensures he is held accountable,” Dick noted.
A Community in Mourning
The death of 14-year-old Tobias Soto has left a noticeable void in the community, and the response from law enforcement and local officials shows a deep commitment to justice. This case underscores the importance of road safety and the consequences of reckless behavior, serving as a reminder to all about the impacts such tragic events can have.
