HOUSTON — Osvaldo Casas' family is feeling a bit of relief now that a suspect is in custody and charged in connection with their loved one's murder.
The husband and father of two was shot outside of his home on Aug. 10. He died in his pregnant wife’s arms.
“I know the arrest isn't going to bring him back, but I’m happy he was arrested,” said Casas' wife Judith Molina.
17-year-old Cristian Gasca Martinez is now charged with murder. He was set to appear in probable cause court on Saturday afternoon, but despite not being there, his charge was still read by a judge.
“Mr. Martinez is charged with the first-degree felony offense of murder,” said a judge.
Court documents claim the teen was also stalking Casa’s stepdaughter. The judge shared more details at probable cause court.
“The allegations are that the 17-year-old defendant, briefly dated the, complaining witness is, 16-year-old daughter,” said the judge. “The daughter stopped seeing this defendant after the defendant assaulted and unlawfully restrained her. The defendant repeatedly called the daughter until she, blocked, the defendant's, phone number.”
The judge also said Martinez allegedly posted threats on social media including pictures holding a gun. Casas’ wife said Martinez and her daughter never dated.
“He was just mad that he that she didn't want to date him. That she wanted to do nothing with him,” said Molina. “So, he was stalking her, stalking our house for days. Which I didn't know about.”
The family continues to grieve as they wait for their day in court.
“I hope he gets what he deserves. Life in prison. He took a life. His life should be for the rest of his life. In prison. He shouldn't be let out," Molina said.
And as they wait, they’ve welcomed a new member to the family. Casas and Molina’s son was born days after they said goodbyes to him.
“It was supposed to be a happy moment, but all I could think of is he was supposed to be there with me, and he was there,” said Molina.
Martinez’s bond is set at $200,000 and is due in court Monday morning.