SAN ANTONIO — A suspect has been arrested almost three weeks after a woman was found dead in her vehicle, according to documents.
San Antonio investigators at the time said 31-year-old Julie Marie Butcher, a mother of four, was shot in the head while driving on the I-35 access road near Rittiman Road around 9:20 p.m. on Nov. 8.
According to an arrest affidavit, a witness who saw the shooting said that a small blue and silver sedan shot at Butcher's vehicle. Video surveillance showed a vehicle with that description fleeing the location after the shooting.
On Nov. 10, an anonymous tipster said that a man named "Nick Hernandez" confessed to a close friend that he was the shooter and that he drove a Volkswagen Jetta. "Nick" was then identified as 24-year-old Nicholas Hernandez, according to the affidavit.
After more research by police, it was found that Hernandez reported he was the victim of a robbery about 15 hours after Butcher's murder. Hernandez said in the report that he was robbed by an unknown man while playing basketball on Nov. 6, two days before the shooting. He said along with his basketball and duffle bag, his 9mm handgun was stolen from him.
On Nov. 12, the witness told authorities that Hernandez confessed to her that he was involved in a road rage incident. Text messages corroborated this.
A search warrant was granted and executed at Hernandez's residence. When there, a black duffle bag and basketball was found in his bedroom.
On Nov. 15, three more witnesses were contacted to make statements.
One of the witnesses said he, the suspect and several of his friends were playing basketball at the approximate time and date, however at a different location than where the suspect reported to police. He also said they used a worn basketball that they always play with, and the suspect hadn't told them he had been robbed.
Another witness said that Hernandez confessed to him that was involved in a road rage incident where the suspect shot a car that rolled into a ditch.
The final witness said Hernandez contacted him at his home the evening of the shooting. The affidavit says Hernandez asked him to dispose of two 9mm shell casings the suspect cleaned out from their Volkswagen Jetta. A search warrant was then signed, and the Jetta was seized.
On Nov. 22, phone records from Hernandez's phone were received. The records showed that the phone was in the approximate location of the shooting at the approximate time. It also shows him going the direction the first witness said they saw the suspect vehicle go.
Nicholas Hernandez was arrested on Nov. 27 and charged with murder.
The family of Butcher released a statement shortly after the arrest was announced:
"This Thanksgiving, our family is profoundly grateful for the progress toward justice for Julie Marie Butcher. We have been informed that an arrest has been made in connection with her murder, marking an important step forward in this difficult journey. While the pain of her loss is still with us, we take comfort in the dedication of law enforcement and the overwhelming support from our community. Your prayers, kindness, and solidarity have been a source of strength for us. Julie’s life was a gift, and we honor her memory by continuing to seek peace and healing. We ask for your continued prayers and support as we move forward in the pursuit of justice. Sincerely, The Family of Julie Marie Butcher."
The family is also still accepting donations to help Julie's four young children. You can find the GoFundMe here.