A Texas judge whose son was senselessly murdered has called out local leaders who told her “not to make a big deal” about the killing for fear it would hurt tourism.
Lori Massey Brissette, the fourth judge on the San Antonio Court of Appeals, posted a statement on social media criticizing the top brass of the Texas city that is quickly becoming synonymous with violent crime.
“My son was murdered in March 2023 in front of the Alamo,” he wrote. “In fact, one of our leaders told me not to make ‘a big deal’ out of fear it would affect tourism.”
Brissette’s son, Justin, was attacked, robbed and left for dead outside a bar near the Alamo in March of last year.
Her post criticised local authorities for their lack of action to crack down on crime in the city centre after three tourists were killed in the space of three months.
She said: “Three tourists have been murdered downtown in three months and yet no city or county officials have done or said anything. They are not just silent. They are absent.”
Lori Massey Brissette, the fourth judge on the San Antonio Court of Appeals, posted a statement on social media criticizing the Texas city’s top brass. Brissette is seen here with her son Justin
She urged her social media followers to share her post and ask the question “where are our leaders?”
She continued: ‘I was told it was a random act of violence. I was told that again when the 80-year-old grandmother was murdered in May.
‘I was told that even though I provided data showing 93 assault calls in progress from one downtown block in the 12 months before my son was killed.
‘Now, in addition to a mental health worker and an 80-year-old grandmother, we have lost a coach and an entrepreneur.
‘How many ‘random acts of violence’ have to occur before we admit we have a problem, before our city and county leaders ADMIT we have a problem and COMMIT to taking action?’
She urged her social media followers to share her post and ask themselves the question “where are our leaders?” while doing so.
In May, a woman was killed by a stray bullet. In June, a woman in town for a conference was shot dead as she sat in a bar, and another attack outside a hotel left a man dead.
Brissette’s son, Justin, seen here, was attacked, robbed and left for dead outside a bar near the Alamo in March of last year.
Police later identified Heidi Silkworth, 80, as the woman killed by the stray bullet. Police said the woman had been caught in the crossfire of a shooting.
Silkworth was from Euless, a suburb in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and had been in San Antonio for a graduation.
Also in May, repeat offender Bryan Davis was arrested by police and charged with one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the death of Judge Brissette’s son.
Police investigating Justin’s death said he got into an argument with a group of men and two women.
At one point he was beaten unconscious, and while he was unconscious the group allegedly stole his valuables and fled.
He regained consciousness and was taken to a friend’s house, where he lost consciousness again before being rushed to hospital, where he died.
In May, repeat offender Bryan Davis was arrested by police and charged with one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with his son’s death.
Police investigating Justin’s death said he got into an argument with a group of men and two women. Here’s a security shot of the incident showing the wanted suspects unblurred.
Brissette said Physical Fitness Test (KSAT): ‘It was difficult because it seemed like people were saying my son’s life was irrelevant.
‘I’ve spent over a year and a half trying to get city and county officials to care not just about my son, but about the broader problem.’
As she awaits justice for her son, she told the outlet she will continue to speak out as a way to remember him.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office released a statement.
“The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office typically saturates the Riverwalk as we have done in past summers with our “Hats on the Riverwalk,” due to the increased tourism the downtown area experiences during the summer months,” they said.
‘Since June 24, Bexar County Sheriff’s deputies have provided a presence along the Riverwalk as a visual deterrent to crime, but also in the event an incident arises, deputies can respond and assist as needed.’