HOUSTON — The man charged with capital murder in connection with his uncle's death appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday.
Antonio Guzman, 22, is accused of killing Jose Torres, 37, last week. Torres was a police dispatcher for the Spring Branch ISD Police Department, officials confirmed in a social post.
A judge decided not to lower Guzman's $200,000 bond. He remained in custody at the Harris County Jail.
After the court appearance, Guzman's defense attorney said that even though he allegedly confessed to the shooting, her client is still innocent until proven guilty.
"As soon as I receive all the evidence from the state, I will take a look at that and be sure that he was properly given his Miranda rights when he made the statement. Additionally, that law enforcement stayed within the bounds of the Constitution and did not violate his constitutional rights in any way when taking this statement," Kimberly McTorry said.
Guzman is due back in court on Jan. 28.
The shooting
Torres was found shot to death Friday at his northwest Harris County home. His wife and kids made the discovery when he didn't show up to pick them up from school and they caught a ride home from a family member, according to investigators.
Investigators said it appeared that Torres was outside trimming a tree in front of his house when he went inside, possibly to get another piece of equipment. They said that's when he was shot and killed. They said they recovered shell casings at the scene.
Nephew charged
On Sunday, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced that Guzman, Torres' nephew, had been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the deadly shooting.
According to officials, Torres and his wife raised Guzman for the past six years as if he were their son.
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Torres' wife said Guzman had a gun and also had anger issues, according to prosecutors. She also told them Guzman had a foot injury.
Authorities said video evidence showed the shooting suspect limping away from the house after the shooting. They said Guzman left the scene in his car.
When he was taken into custody, according to authorities, Guzman admitted to going to Torres' house and shooting him when they were alone because he "felt unloved and unwelcomed."