A fatal argument during a tattoo session ended in gunfire and a decades-long prison sentence.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – A Bexar County judge has sentenced a 33-year-old man to 45 years in prison for the fatal shooting of a tattoo artist during an argument at a San Antonio home, closing a case that dates back to a 2021 killing on the city’s west side. The sentence follows a conviction for first-degree murder in the death of 46-year-old Leonel Chavez Jr.
Raymond Hernandez received the sentence from 290th Criminal District Court Judge Jennifer Pena, according to the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors said the shooting occurred April 2, 2021, inside a residence on the 800 block of West Baetz Boulevard, where Chavez was working as a tattoo artist at the time.
Details of the shooting
Chavez had been giving someone a tattoo when Hernandez, who was also at the home to get tattoo work done, became involved in an argument with him. According to the district attorney’s office, Hernandez pulled out a gun during the dispute and fired at Chavez, striking him.
A witness at the scene described the immediate aftermath, stating they “heard the gunshot, watched Chavez fall from his injuries, and reported the shooting after confronting Hernandez.” Authorities said Hernandez then “fled the scene” and was later seen on surveillance footage less than a mile away, still carrying the firearm used in the killing.
Hernandez was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the shooting. Chavez died from his injuries at the scene.
Conviction and sentencing
Following trial proceedings, Hernandez was found guilty of first-degree murder. Prosecutors emphasized the significance of the verdict and sentence in addressing violent crime in the community.
“Today’s conviction and sentencing uphold our commitment to holding offenders accountable and reassure our community that we will continue to work diligently to protect and serve,” Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said.
Court records show the sentence will require Hernandez to serve decades behind bars for the killing, which stemmed from what authorities described as a sudden escalation of violence during a routine visit.
Chavez, known locally for his work as a tattoo artist, was killed while actively working inside the home, according to investigators.
Raymond Hernandez sentencing, San Antonio shooting 2021, Leonel Chavez Jr murder, Bexar County court case, Texas first degree murder conviction
