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Jury views dash cam footage of chase that led to fatal shooting of SAPD Officer Robert Deckard

Shawn Puente on trial on capital murder charge

SAN ANTONIO – With eyes intently fixed on a giant courtroom video screen, jurors in the capital murder trial of Shawn Puente, 34, on Wednesday watched dramatic dash camera video of a high-speed police chase.

That chase ended in the early morning hours of Dec. 8, 2013, with the death of San Antonio police Officer Robert Deckard.

PREVIOUSLY: Capital murder trial of man accused of killing SAPD officer during 2013 chase begins

The video was recorded by the dash camera of Detective Brent Lively, who was following Deckard’s patrol car during the chase that began in San Antonio and ended in Atascosa County.

Deckard and Lively were trying to stop Puente and his companion, Jenevieve Ramos, 28. The pair were suspects in a convenience store robbery in San Antonio.

During the chase that reached speeds of over 100 mph, Puente fired several shots at Deckard’s patrol car, officials said.

Read the original story on KSAT.com HERE

A single shot penetrated the windshield, striking Deckard in the head. His car crashed on Interstate 37 in Atascosa County, and the suspects continued to speed away, officials said.

Deckard died 13 days later in the hospital.

During testimony on Wednesday, Lively was asked if Deckard ever considered stopping the pursuit. He answered with a firm "no."

The plan, he testified, was "to do whatever it took to stop these guys."

RELATED: Poth police chief describes officer's role in shootout

Puente and Ramos were arrested a short time later just outside the Wilson County community of Poth. Both were charged with capital murder.

Ramos remains jailed while awaiting trial. Like Puente, the state is seeking the death penalty in her case.

Testimony is expected to resume on Thursday in Judge Donna Rayes State District Court in Jourdanton.

Court Debrief: Shawn Puente Trial

(Click here if you're unable to see the video)


About the Author
Paul Venema headshot

Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role.

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