Arnold Pena sentenced to 2–15 years after court finds deadly weapon in highway shooting

A Bexar County court on the docket heard victim testimony and arguments before sentencing Arnold Pena to two to 15 years in prison and imposing a $2,000 fine, after an affirmative finding that a deadly weapon was used in a shooting that left a teenager severely injured.

The hearing centered on testimony from the victim and the victim’s mother, and on conflicting accounts presented by the defense and the prosecution. The court accepted stipulated evidence and, after hearing argument, found Pena guilty and ordered a restitution hearing for June 8 to determine compensation for medical and related costs.

Why it matters: The victim described extensive, ongoing medical treatment and lasting facial injuries. The court’s guilty finding, the deadly‑weapon finding and the sentence together mean Pena will serve a multi‑year prison term unless a higher court intervenes; the restitution proceeding will determine additional financial liability.

State witnesses described the attack and the victim’s medical aftermath. The victim’s mother, Lisa Chapa, testified about her son’s hospitalizations and surgeries, saying he had five operations and would need another major reconstructive procedure when he turns 21. “He had a 5 and a half hour surgery that day,” she told the court. Prosecutors emphasized the severity of the wound and the permanent risk: “If that shot had been higher than 4 inches, Jalen wouldn’t be sitting here,” the prosecutor argued, pointing to the narrow margin between serious injury and death.

The victim, identified in court as Jalen (Jaylen) Chapa, testified about being shot while driving on Highway 90. Describing the immediate aftermath, he said, “Everything went black… I freaked out,” and recounted losing teeth, multiple surgeries and ongoing reconstructive needs. He and his mother testified to emotional and mental effects, including anxiety and nightmares following the surgeries.

Pena testified in his own defense and disputed aspects of the state’s account, offering a version in which he perceived a threat and later sought to explain his conduct. Defense counsel argued that the facts and mental state left room for mitigation, asked the court to consider deferred adjudication or a lower sentence and noted Pena’s lack of prior convictions. “He did not intend for this to be the result of his actions,” defense counsel told the judge.

The prosecutor urged a substantial sentence, noting evidence the defendant did not report the shooting immediately and that jail‑call transcripts and investigative material suggested consciousness of guilt. The prosecutor asked the court to impose the statutory cap given the severity of injury and the circumstances described in stipulated materials.

The court weighed the stipulated evidence, witness testimony and arguments. In pronouncing sentence, the judge imposed two to 15 years in prison with credit for time served, assessed a $2,000 fine, and made an affirmative finding that a deadly weapon was involved. Restitution was listed in the pre‑sentencing report at $4,987.42; the court set a hearing on restitution for June 8 so the parties and the court could verify and, if necessary, adjust that figure.

What’s next: Restitution will be resolved at the June 8 hearing. Defense counsel noted a notice of appeal related to the defendant’s earlier plea and asked the court to preserve appellate rights; the court discussed appellate appointment and timing with counsel. Pena remains subject to a weapons prohibition as part of the felony conviction.

Sources: Court proceedings and sworn witness testimony in Bexar County criminal docket 2025CR010725. The court admitted stipulated exhibits and cited the pre‑sentence investigation for the restitution figure.