SAN ANTONIO — The owners of two pit bulls who attacked and mauled an 81-year-old man to death in February of 2023 were sentenced by a judge Friday.
Christian Moreno received a sentence of 18 years in prison and Abilene Schnieder sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The dog owners were arrested after the mauling in a west-side neighborhood last year.
Fire crews who responded to the scene observed Ramon Najera “being dragged by a dog (and) completely bloody” upon arriving.
To this day, my daughter, Anna, she is still helping me,” Juanita Najera said in court.
SAN ANTONIO— A judge sentenced the owners of two pit bulls who killed an 81-year-old man in February 2023 by attacking and mauling him.
Christian Moreno was given an 18-year prison sentence, and Abilene Schnieder was given a 15-year prison sentence. Each of them was fined $5,000 and was barred from owning a dog going forward.
Following this year’s mauling in a west-side neighborhood, the dog owners were placed under arrest. According to San Antonio authorities, the dogs attacked Ramon Najera and his wife Juanita when they came to visit relatives after escaping from a nearby property.
When emergency personnel arrived, they saw Ramon Najera “being dragged by a dog (and) completely bloody.”.
Following what is said to have been a plea agreement with the prosecution, Moreno and Schnieder entered guilty pleas to the charges back in August. On September, there was a punishment hearing where arguments were heard. 9 days before the sentencing on Friday.
Judge Velia J. Oversaw the proceedings. The 226th Criminal District Court’s Meza.
The prosecution was requesting a 20-year maximum sentence. After the sentencing was announced, Najera’s family members gave victim impact statements. Juanita, his wife, spoke movingly in court about the impact her husband’s passing has had on her and their grown children. She claimed that following Najera’s passing, her son, a retired Marine, had to put his life on hold in order to care for her.
“He provided me with all the financial support I needed. He gave me meals as well. Juanita Najera testified in court that her daughter Anna is still assisting her mother.
In court, Raymond Najera, their son, addressed Moreno and Schnieder in a more acerbic manner.
“You are disgusting people who lack remorse. Inconsiderate. As free citizens of our city, you do not deserve to be released. People locally, nationally, and worldwide have been horrified by your carelessness with dogs “said Raymond Najera.
No sooner was the sentence announced than the two were remanded to custody.
