Defense challenges warrant for cell phone evidence in 2017 Bexar County murder case

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In a pivotal court session on April 2, 2025, Judge Stephanie Boyd of the 187th District Court examined the validity of a search warrant related to a capital murder case in Bexar County, Texas. The case centers around the tragic death of Mark Anthony Saldivar, who was shot during an altercation near a Chick-fil-A restaurant in 2017.

The defense argued that the warrant, which authorized the search of a cell phone recovered from a vehicle linked to the incident, lacked the necessary probable cause. They contended that the affidavit supporting the warrant relied on vague and boilerplate language, failing to establish a clear connection between the phone and the crime. The defense highlighted that the officer's assertions did not sufficiently demonstrate why the cell phone would contain evidence pertinent to the murder investigation.

Key points raised during the hearing included the need for specificity in search warrants, particularly when dealing with cell phones, which hold sensitive personal information. The defense referenced the landmark Supreme Court case, Riley v. California, which emphasized that mere possession of a cell phone does not justify a search of its contents without additional probable cause.

Judge Boyd engaged in a thorough examination of the arguments, focusing on whether the warrant met the constitutional requirements for specificity and probable cause. The defense maintained that the warrant's language suggested a general assumption that any cell phone associated with a suspect must contain incriminating evidence, a notion they argued is insufficient under current legal standards.

As the court deliberates on the validity of the search warrant, the implications of this case extend beyond the immediate parties involved. A ruling against the warrant could set a significant precedent regarding the handling of digital evidence in criminal investigations, reinforcing the necessity for law enforcement to adhere strictly to constitutional protections when seeking access to personal data. The court's decision is anticipated to have lasting effects on privacy rights and the standards for evidence collection in Texas and beyond.

Converted from WED., APRIL 2, 2025/JUDGE STEPHANIE BOYD/187TH DISTRICT COURT/MORNING DOCKET meeting on April 03, 2025
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