Jury selection begins in Robert Castillo manslaughter trial in Bexar County

Jury selection opened in Bexar County’s 187th District Court on a manslaughter case against Robert Castillo, with Judge Stephanie Boyd giving jurors detailed instructions on the law and their duties.

“I am Judge Boyd,” the judge told the venire, explaining where they were and how the process would proceed. The judge reviewed the charges — count one, manslaughter; count two, failure to stop and render aid after a crash that resulted in death — and described the range of punishment jurors might consider if liability were proved.

Judge Boyd emphasized the presumption of innocence and that the state bears the burden of proving each element beyond a reasonable doubt. She told jurors they must not consult social media or perform outside research about the case while serving: “You cannot get on social media… You can't do any kind of Internet research while you’re on this jury.”

The prosecutor summarized the legal elements the state must prove, explaining manslaughter is a reckless act that causes death (Texas Penal Code §19.04) and outlining the statutory duties to stop and render aid (Texas Transportation Code provisions cited to the panel). The prosecutor told jurors the state would present a mix of videos, documents, photographs and witness testimony as evidence.

Voir dire then moved through standard screening: juror language and scheduling constraints, prior jury experience, attitudes toward law enforcement, and scale questions on how jurors view victims’ role in sentencing. Several prospective jurors raised conflicts or scheduling problems and were excused or noted for cause.

The judge and counsel also explained the two-phase nature of a felony trial in Texas — first the guilt-innocence phase, then a separate punishment phase if a guilty verdict is reached — and answered juror questions about evidence, definition of legal standards and how to assess credibility. The court told jurors that if they had reasonable doubts about any element, they must acquit.

The court paused voir dire at the end of the day to continue selecting an impartial jury; the trial team said they expect deliberations and further proceedings to continue on the next scheduled date.