Authorities in Texas have arrested and charged a 24-year-old man with murder after he allegedly shot and killed a mother of four during a road rage incident in San Antonio. The shooting caused her car to flip into a ditch, where she was later found dead.
Julie Marie Butcher, 31, was driving on Interstate 35 the night of November 8 when she got into a heated argument with another driver, Nicholas Hernandez. According to local ABC affiliate KSAT, Hernandez shot Butcher in the head before fleeing the scene. His arrest affidavit details the confrontation, although the reason for the dispute remains unclear.
Butcher’s car was found in a ditch, and she was pronounced dead at the scene by police.
After the shooting, Hernandez allegedly couldn’t keep quiet and reportedly told several friends about what happened. Those friends then informed detectives. At least four witnesses came forward, with one saying Hernandez had asked him to dispose of two 9mm shell casings. Another provided text messages showing Hernandez discussing the shooting.
Further complicating matters, Hernandez called the San Antonio Police Department 15 hours after the murder, attempting to report his Beretta 9mm handgun as stolen. Authorities believe the same gun was used in the shooting.
Julie Marie Butcher’s family expressed their gratitude for the progress in the case after Hernandez’s arrest, calling it an important step toward justice. They also thanked the community for their support during this difficult time.
A GoFundMe set up for Butcher’s father, David Delgado, describes her as a “beloved wife, mother, daughter, and friend.” She worked as a general manager at Papa John’s in New Braunfels and is survived by her husband, Michael, and their four children: Hailey, Jaxson, Michael, and Kenneth.
Hernandez is being held at the Bexar County Jail as he awaits his first court appearance. Bond details were unavailable.
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