Jason Matthew Prieto is one of two suspects in the shooting at Rolling Oaks Mall in Texas. (San Antonio Police)
A suspect has been charged with capital murder in a jewelry store robbery “gone really, really bad” at a mall in San Antonio that left a Good Samaritan dead and another suspect wounded, police say.
The shooting Sunday afternoon at the Rolling Oaks Mall created panic as several shots were fired in the crowded shopping area.
Police say Jason Matthew Prieto, 34, and another man tried to rob the Kay Jewelers store at the mall, but shots were fired when people in the store tried to stop them. Prieto’s partner, who has not yet been identified, was shot and critically wounded by an armed citizen.
Prieto was able to escape, but was later caught by police.
Along with the Good Samaritan and the second suspect, two other people were shot, but suffered non-life-threatening wounds. A pregnant woman and a woman suffering from chest pains were also hospitalized for evaluation, police say.
The incident occurred about 3 p.m. Sunday.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Prieto’s Partner Fatally Shot a ‘Good Samaritan’ Before He Was Killed by an Armed Citizen
Police say Jason Prieto’s partner fatally shot an unarmed “Good Samaritan” who tried to intervene in the jewelry store robbery, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
The victim has been identified as Jonathan Murphy, a 42-year-old man who was at the Kay Jewelers store to have his wedding rings cleaned, ABC News reports.
While Prieto escaped, his partner was shot by another citizen, who was legally carrying a concealed handgun, according to police. That man has not been identified.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said they are still investigating the series of events that led to the shooting, but called it a robbery “gone really, really bad.”
2. Police Say Prieto Fled From the Jewelry Store & Shot at People as He Escaped From the Mall
Prieto ran out of the store and fired several shots while making his escape from the mall, police said.
Two people, a man and a woman, were shot near the Dillard’s store, and suffered non-life-threatening wounds. They were in stable condition at the hospital on Sunday.
The shooting created panic at the mall, as shoppers and employees locked themselves in offices, stores and bathrooms.
THERE WAS A SHOOTING AT ROLLING OAKS MALL NO ONE COME TO ROLLING OAKS
“We are shocked and saddened by the tragic events at the Rolling Oaks Mall in San Antonio, TX. We extend our deepest sympathies to everyone affected,” Kay Jewelers said in a statement. “Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and Team Members and their ability to shop and work in a safe environment.
“We are taking all necessary steps in cooperating with local law enforcement. We will continue to do everything possible to support those impacted by this tragic situation,” the company said.
3. He Was Caught After a Car Crash & Police Say a Third Suspect Could Be Facing Charges
Prieto was caught Sunday night after he was involved in a car crash in Converse, Texas, police said in a press release.
He was driving a stolen car that “wrecked out” in the area of Loop 1604 and Copper Gate. He fled from that scene as well, but police tracked him down Sunday night.
Two weapons were recovered by police in Converse.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said a third suspect could be arrested, WOAI-TV reports.
4. He & His Partner Both Face the Death Penalty If Convicted of Capital Murder
Prieto was charged with capital murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, police said in a press release.
Police said Prieto’s partner, who has not been publicly identified, will face the same charges.
The capital murder charge carries the possibility of the death penalty if they are convicted.
5. Prieto Has a Lengthy Criminal Record & Police Are Investigating Whether the Duo Are Behind a Similar Robbery on January 20
NEW: Jason Matthew Prieto is first suspect booked in San Antonio Mall jewelry heist turned capital murder. #kens5eyewitness
Prieto has a lengthy criminal record dating back to 2000, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
He was 19 when he was first arrested, and his record includes charges for aggravated assault, assault, eight charges for drug possession, two charges for burglary of a vehicle, two theft charges and two charges of evading detention, the newspaper reports.
Police have also said they are investigating whether Prieto and his partner are behind a similar robbery of a jewelry store that occurred January 20 in San Antonio.
According to police, three armed robbers held up the Exotic Diamonds store at the South Park Mall.
“We are looking at the possibility that these are the same suspects in a smash-and-grab robbery that occurred Friday at South Park Mall,” Police Sergeant Jesse Salame said. “They are very similar incidents, the way the store was targeted, and two Hispanic males with the same clothing description.”
Jewelry was taken during that robbery, but no one was injured, police said.
