Lawyers File Motion for New Trial in Preciado Murder Case

Convicted of capital murder, Christopher Preciado seeks to contest the verdict.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation into a violent crime.A stark, gritty image of physical evidence from a violent crime scene raises questions about the pursuit of justice.San Antonio Today

Christopher Preciado, 21, was found guilty last week of capital murder in the 2023 deaths of Savanah Soto, Matthew Guerra, and their unborn baby Fabian. Preciado's lawyers have now filed a motion requesting a new trial, contesting the original verdict.

Why it matters

The case has drawn significant attention in San Antonio due to the brutal nature of the triple homicide. Preciado's lawyers are arguing that there are grounds to overturn the conviction, which could have major implications for the victims' families and the community's trust in the justice system.

The details

Preciado was convicted of capital murder after a 10-day trial in which prosecutors alleged he had planned to rob Matthew Guerra at gunpoint during a marijuana deal, leading to the deaths of Guerra, Soto, and their unborn child. Preciado claimed the shootings were in self-defense after Guerra became agitated and pointed a gun at him, but the jury rejected this argument and found him guilty of the most serious charge.

  • Savanah Soto disappeared on Christmas Day 2023, prompting a CLEAR Alert.
  • Soto, Guerra, and their unborn baby were found dead with gunshot wounds on December 26, 2023.
  • Preciado and his father were booked into the Bexar County jail nine days later for the crime.
  • Preciado was convicted of capital murder in a trial that concluded last week.
  • On March 30, 2026, Preciado's lawyers filed a motion for a new trial.

The players

Christopher Preciado

A 21-year-old man convicted of capital murder in the 2023 deaths of Savanah Soto, Matthew Guerra, and their unborn baby.

Monica Guerrero

One of the lawyers representing Christopher Preciado in his motion for a new trial.

Ross Lewis

One of the lawyers representing Christopher Preciado in his motion for a new trial.

Savanah Soto

A woman who was killed in 2023 along with her boyfriend Matthew Guerra and their unborn baby.

Matthew Guerra

Savanah Soto's boyfriend, who was killed in 2023 along with Soto and their unborn baby.

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What they’re saying

“The evidence they found does not match his story.”

— Det. Jeremy Goodwin, Lead detective on the case

“The autopsy showed their gunshot wounds were consistent with an intentional shooting.”

— Medical examiner

What’s next

The judge will now consider the motion for a new trial filed by Preciado's lawyers.

The takeaway

This case has deeply impacted the San Antonio community, and the motion for a new trial will be closely watched as it could have significant implications for the victims' families and public trust in the justice system.