New Braunfels Man Facing Charges for Fight
A fight broke out in early October in the parking lot of a Target store off of I-35, in which a 27-year-old man was allegedly killed, according to KGNB Radio. Vincent John Palomo, of Seguin, was “badly injured and taken by private car to Christus New Braunfels Hospital where he was pronounced dead.” After routine investigation, the New Braunfels Police Department issued a warrant for the arrest of Trey Randall Smith, a 42-year-old New Braunfels resident.
Arresting Smith proved to be a scene fit for television as, according to KGNB, “several law enforcement agencies, including New Braunfels Police, Texas DPS, and the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office descended on the home and safely took Smith into custody.” He was booked at Caldwell County Jail before being transferred to Comal County. Smith has been charged with second degree felony aggravated assault, and his bond was set at a whopping $500,000.
If Palomo’s autopsy reveals that Palomo did indeed die of injuries sustained as a result of the fight in the parking lot with Smith, Smith could face a murder charge, which carries a heavier sentence in Comal County than aggravated assault. According to the Texas state penal code, for charges of a second degree felony, a person faces a prison term of not less than two years and not more than 20, in addition to a fine not to exceed $10,000. The penalty for a murder charge in Texas is up to the jury, yet prosecutors may choose to seek the death penalty for the accused.
Fistfights happen every day, between friends and strangers—but not all go as awry as that between Palomo and Smith. If you or someone you know is facing charges such as these, seek the advice of a qualified professional. Contact a New Braunfels personal injury attorney today.
