Defense urges acquittal, prosecution urges guilty verdict in San Antonio manslaughter trial

BEXAR COUNTY, Texas — Closing arguments in the trial of Robert Castillo centered on whether Castillo recklessly caused the March 25, 2023, death of pedestrian Eric Michael Moody or reasonably fled after being shot at.

Defense counsel told jurors Castillo "fled from the scene when the guy pulled the gun on him and started shooting at him," and said the evidence supports affirmative defenses including duress, necessity and mistake of fact. The defense argued that surveillance video and witness accounts show gunfire and a muzzle flash; combined with the Tesla’s rapid acceleration and the driver’s limited visibility after impact, counsel said Castillo did not know he had struck a person and was acting to preserve his life.

The prosecution told jurors the state proved Castillo’s mental state and conduct met the statutory standards for manslaughter and for a failure to stop and render aid. The prosecutor pointed to event data recorder (EDR) readings, witness testimony, vehicle damage and on-scene observations—including that first responders found a pool of blood and the victim’s eyeglasses—arguing those facts support a finding of recklessness and that Castillo left the scene without determining whether someone needed aid. The state concluded by urging jurors to find Castillo guilty of both counts.

Why this matters: The jury’s decision will determine whether prosecutors have met the high criminal standard of proof for manslaughter under Texas law and whether Castillo’s claimed fear of imminent harm negates criminal culpability or excuses his conduct under the statutes the jurors were instructed to apply.

Key evidence and arguments

- Charges and law: The principal charge was manslaughter under Texas Penal Code §19.04 (recklessly causing death). The second count cited Transportation Code §§550.021 and 550.023, requiring a driver involved in a collision to stop, provide identifying information and render reasonable assistance if it is apparent another person needs aid.

- Defense themes: Counsel emphasized duress and necessity, arguing Castillo was being shot at after a traffic confrontation and therefore reasonably attempted to escape. Defense pointed to video clips and testimony the team described as showing a muzzle flash and multiple shots, and to the Tesla’s acceleration characteristics and weight (a factor defense said affected momentum and handling). The defense urged jurors the state failed to disprove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Castillo formed a reasonable belief that he had not been involved in an accident that was likely to result in injury.

- Prosecution themes: The state disputed the defense narrative and focused on alleged recklessness and missed opportunities to render aid. Prosecutors cited EDR speed data (defense and prosecution discussed figures from the locked 5-second EDR leading up to impact), witness statements that first responders observed Mr. Moody unresponsive at the scene, and physical evidence including front-end vehicle damage, biological material and three bullet holes in the FJ the parties discussed. The prosecution argued Castillo had time or safe options to seek help and that leaving the scene impeded timely medical aid.

Witnesses and exhibits referenced

- Witnesses mentioned in argument included Antonio Lerma (defense and prosecution disputed aspects of his testimony), Eamonn Teague Leahy, CSI Salvatierra, Sergeant Castellano, Dr. Evans (medical cause of death: craniocerebral blunt force injuries), and several defense witnesses such as Jared Lopez and Ashley Sanchez.

- Exhibits discussed included multiple surveillance video clips from the Tesla and other perspectives, EDR (event data recorder) output showing speed and braking in the seconds before impact, and photographs of vehicle damage and scene evidence.

Unresolved factual disputes raised by counsel

- Whether Castillo or his passenger first exited the vehicle and whether Castillo saw Mr. Moody before leaving the scene.

- Whether the other driver (identified in argument as Diego Gomez) intentionally pulled a gun and fired at Castillo, and whether that conduct caused Castillo’s flight.

- The role of alcohol: the defense acknowledged Castillo had a beer earlier in the evening and argued there was no evidence of impairment; the prosecution pointed to witnesses giving differing timelines and argued jurors could infer intoxication from video and behavior.

Next steps

The jury was excused to begin deliberations after closing arguments. The court did not record a verdict in the transcript excerpt. If the jury returns a guilty verdict, sentencing and any statutory enhancements would follow under court schedule; if the jury returns not guilty or is unable to reach a unanimous verdict, the court will proceed according to applicable criminal procedure.

Quote samples

Defense: "Come back with a not guilty verdict. Tell the state they're prosecuting the wrong guy."

Prosecution: "Find him guilty as charged in count one and two."

(Procedure note: the court instructed jurors that all applicable law would be included in the written jury charge they would use during deliberations.)