Dispute over police chief's records in Simpson murder case

City officials seek private review of Olmos Park police chief's personnel files tied to Suzanne Simpson investigation

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The dispute continues over what information from the personnel file of the Olmos Park police chief, who led the investigation into Suzanne Simpson's presumed killing, will be turned over as evidence. The department head has been accused of letting the Olmos Park mayor peruse physical evidence in the murder case, and several lawsuits linked to his conduct. Brad Simpson, the husband accused of killing his wife, has been set for trial several times, but delays in evidence processing by state prosecutors have pushed his face-to-face with justice back.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing questions about the credibility and conduct of the lead investigator, Olmos Park Police Chief Fidel Villegas, who has faced multiple allegations of misconduct and has a history of short tenures at various law enforcement agencies in the San Antonio area. The dispute over access to Villegas' personnel records could impact the upcoming trial of Brad Simpson.

The details

Simpson's attorney wants personnel files for Olmos Park Police Chief Fidel Villegas, including files from his tenure at the San Antonio Police Department, Floresville ISD Police Department, Windcrest Police Department, Olmo Park Police Department and Bexar County Sheriff's Office. However, the City of San Antonio has now asked the court to review the chief's SAPD personnel files in private to determine what, if any, information should be released to the defense as potentially exculpatory or impeachment evidence.

  • Brad Simpson was set to face trial before a jury this month, but the trial has been delayed for an unknown length of time due to the dispute over witness credibility and evidence.
  • A status update hearing on the case is scheduled for April 1.

The players

Fidel Villegas

The Olmos Park police chief who led the investigation into Suzanne Simpson's presumed killing. He has been accused of misconduct and has a history of short tenures at various law enforcement agencies in the San Antonio area.

Brad Simpson

The Olmos Park man accused of killing his wife Suzanne. His trial has been delayed several times due to disputes over evidence and witness credibility.

James Kopp

The San Antonio Assistant City Attorney who filed a motion asking the court to conduct a private review of Villegas' SAPD personnel file to determine what information, if any, should be released to the defense.

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What they’re saying

“The City prays that the Court conduct an in camera inspection of the sought-after information, order the release of only those records which constitute exculpatory information or material impeachment evidence.”

— James Kopp, San Antonio Assistant City Attorney (MySA)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on April 1 whether to allow the release of Olmos Park Police Chief Fidel Villegas' personnel records to the defense as part of the upcoming trial of Brad Simpson.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring the credibility and transparency of law enforcement investigations, particularly when the lead investigator has a history of allegations of misconduct. The dispute over access to the police chief's personnel records could have significant implications for the upcoming trial of the man accused of killing his wife.