Detective details investigation into Mark Saldivar's fatal shooting at Chick-fil-A

The April 9, 2025, session of the 187th District Court, presided over by Judge Stephanie Boyd, focused on the ongoing case of the State versus Tamor McIntyre. The proceedings featured extensive testimony from a detective involved in the investigation of the shooting death of Mark Saldivar.

The detective began by outlining the complexities of the investigation, emphasizing the reliance on various forensic analyses, including fingerprint examinations and cell phone data extraction. He confirmed that physical evidence, such as a 9-millimeter shell casing found near Saldivar's body, was crucial but did not definitively link the casing to the fatal shot. The detective acknowledged the presence of human error in investigations, highlighting the importance of accurate reporting from all personnel involved.

Key physical evidence discussed included surveillance footage from a Chick-fil-A parking lot, which captured a vehicle associated with the incident. The detective noted that while the footage showed a man being shot while standing on the vehicle, it did not provide conclusive identification of the shooter. Additionally, a damaged black Kia was located, which had significant front windshield damage consistent with the incident.

The detective detailed the evidence collected from the Kia, including a live .380 auto round and personal items belonging to McIntyre. However, he confirmed that no firearms were recovered from the vehicle, and a comparison of a 9-millimeter pistol obtained from another suspect, Jalen Bell, indicated it was not the weapon used in the shooting.

Witness accounts from bystanders were also discussed, revealing inconsistencies in their descriptions of the events leading up to the shooting. Some witnesses reported seeing individuals in the vehicle engaging in playful behavior, while others described a fight. The detective noted that these differing perspectives are typical in chaotic situations, making it challenging to ascertain the exact sequence of events.

The testimony underscored the detective's reliance on interviews with key witnesses, Joanna Reyes and Jeremiah Rodriguez, who provided critical information about the seating arrangement in the car and identified McIntyre as the individual who brandished the firearm. Their statements were pivotal in shaping the investigation's direction, as they suggested that McIntyre initiated the confrontation that led to Saldivar's death.

As the session progressed, the detective reiterated that while substantial physical evidence and witness testimonies were gathered, many questions remained unanswered. The lack of definitive evidence regarding the identity of the shooter and the circumstances surrounding the shooting highlighted the complexities of the case.

In conclusion, the court session revealed the intricate nature of the investigation into Mark Saldivar's death, emphasizing the interplay between physical evidence and witness accounts. The detective's testimony illustrated the challenges faced in establishing a clear narrative from the available evidence, leaving the case's resolution contingent on further developments.