SAN ANTONIO — A daughter is holding out hope for justice in the death of her mother.

Melissa Perez’s accused killers — three former San Antonio police officers — are scheduled to go to trial next week.

Investigators said Perez was shot and killed during a suspected mental health crisis in 2023. The trial comes after a federal judge this week dismissed a civil lawsuit filed by Perez’s family against the city and two of the officers.

Alexis Tovar, one of Perez’s four children, said the judge’s decision was painful but added the family plans to appeal. She said she is relying on her faith to get through the upcoming criminal trial.

“Honestly, it’s horrible coming and seeing her name on a tombstone,” Tovar said Thursday while standing near her mother’s gravesite.

Tovar said she tries to

See Full Page