SAN ANTONIO – From speeding tickets and a minor traffic wreck to bad behavior in high school, prosecution witnesses on Wednesday gave the jury some insight into Antonio Flores’ life during the punishment phase of his manslaughter trial.
On Tuesday, the jury found Flores, 20, guilty on two counts of manslaughter. He crashed his car Feb. 19, 2013, killing fellow Brandeis High School students Georgina Rodriguez, 17, and Gabriella Lerma, 16, who were passengers in his sedan.
Witnesses testified that Flores was driving at speeds estimated at over 70 mph and racing with another car at the time of the crash.
Just four months after the wreck, Flores was involved in another traffic crash.
“We (were) going to pass each other within a couple of feet when I realize he is out of control,” John Dancy testified as he described a crash in which Flores hit his car nearly head-on.
San Antonio police Officer Jesus Olivia testified that he issued Flores a speeding ticket for going 45 mph in a 65 mph speed zone six months before the fatal crash.
Henry Mota, who was a Brandeis High School campus police officer in 2013, testified of dealing often with Flores.
“Every time I came into contact with him, he was defiant, disrespectful and non-compliant,” Mota testified. “I just feel like he had a lot of growing up to do.”
Defense witnesses, including Flores’ mother, are expected to testify on Thursday when the punishment phase of the trial resumes in Judge Sid Harle’s 226th District Court.
Flores is facing a punishment range of from two to 20 years in prison but is eligible for probation.