A Texas judge, mourning the loss of her son to a senseless crime, has publicly criticized local leaders for suggesting she downplay the incident to avoid hurting tourism.
Lori Massey Brissette, a justice on the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio, took to social media to express her frustration with the city’s leadership. San Antonio, which is increasingly known for violent crime, has been criticized by Brissette for its handling—or lack thereof—of crime in the area.
In March 2023, Brissette’s son, Justin, was brutally attacked and left for dead outside a bar near the historic Alamo.
The tragedy occurred amid a surge of violence in the city, yet Brissette claims local officials advised her not to make a fuss over the murder to avoid deterring tourists.
Brissette’s social media post condemned local authorities for their inaction, noting that three tourists were murdered in downtown San Antonio within just three months, yet no city or county officials have addressed the crisis. “They are not just silent; they are absent,” she wrote.
Growing Concerns
The judge shared her dismay over the repeated assurances of “random acts of violence,” even in the face of disturbing patterns of crime.
She highlighted the recent murders of an 80-year-old woman, a coach, and a businessman, emphasizing the need for the city to acknowledge and address the problem.
Urging for Change
Brissette’s post urged her followers to question the whereabouts of their leaders and to spread her message.
Her call for action came in response to a series of violent incidents, including a stray bullet killing a woman in May and other attacks that resulted in deaths in June.
Updates on the Investigation
Heidi Silkworth, the 80-year-old victim of a stray bullet, was from Euless and had been in San Antonio for a graduation.
Meanwhile, Bryan Davis, a repeat offender, was arrested and indicted for aggravated assault related to Justin’s death.
Police reports indicate that Justin was attacked, robbed, and left unconscious before he died.
Continuing the Fight
Brissette has expressed her frustration with what she perceives as indifference to her son’s death.
She remains determined to advocate for justice and raise awareness about the broader issues of crime in her city.
Sheriff’s Office Response
In response to the criticism, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office stated that they have increased their presence along the Riverwalk to deter crime, especially during the busy summer months.
They emphasized their commitment to providing visible security and rapid response to incidents.
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