A Texas man will spend the rest of his life in prison after being convicted of capital murder in the shocking killings of a pregnant teenager, her boyfriend, and their unborn baby in what authorities described as a failed drug deal turned execution-style shooting.
Christopher Preciado was found guilty in the deaths of 18-year-old Savanah Soto, 22-year-old Matthew Guerra, and Soto’s unborn child, who was just days away from being delivered. The baby was to be named Fabian. Prosecutors said the triple homicide stunned the San Antonio community and left both families devastated.
Planned Meeting Turned Deadly
According to investigators, the victims and Preciado arranged to meet in December 2023 at a San Antonio apartment complex for what was believed to be a marijuana transaction. Instead of a routine exchange, the meeting ended in violence.
Authorities said Preciado shot both Soto and Guerra while they were seated inside their vehicle. Guerra was reportedly shot first and later moved into the back seat of the car. Soto, who was nearing her due date and had been scheduled for induction within days, was found in the front seat. Both victims suffered gunshot wounds to the head.
Police believe the killings may have occurred at a different location before the bodies were transported and left behind a building in the 5900 block of Danny Kaye Drive.
Family’s Desperate Search
Alarm bells first rang when Soto failed to show up for her scheduled medical appointment on December 23, 2023. Her family reported her missing after being unable to reach her. Guerra’s family also grew concerned when they could not contact him.
After the couple’s vehicle description was circulated publicly, a local resident reported spotting it parked behind a building days later. When authorities responded, they discovered the tragic scene inside.
The case quickly intensified as investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the area. Video showed a Chevrolet Silverado arriving near the location shortly before midnight on December 21, followed by the victims’ vehicle.
Parents Accused of Helping Cover Up Crime
Prosecutors said Christopher Preciado sought assistance from his father, 55-year-old Ramon Preciado, after the shootings. Surveillance footage allegedly captured Ramon approaching the victims’ vehicle and interacting with the driver. At one point, a towel was reportedly handed to him so he could wipe down the vehicle’s door.
Authorities said Christopher then drove the victims’ car behind the building before leaving the area with his father and Ramon’s partner, Myrta Romanos, in the Silverado.
Ramon Preciado was later charged with abuse of a corpse and is scheduled to face trial. Romanos initially faced multiple charges, including abuse of a corpse and evidence tampering, but those charges have since been dismissed.
Investigators stated that the firearm used in the killings allegedly belonged to Romanos.
Conflicting Claims and Evidence
During questioning, Christopher Preciado reportedly claimed the shooting occurred after Guerra pointed a gun at him and that he “manipulated” the weapon, resulting in the fatal shots. He repeated a similar explanation regarding Soto’s death.
However, authorities said the physical evidence and investigative findings did not support his version of events.
Detectives also uncovered information suggesting Guerra had posted images of drugs and cash on social media, possibly making him a target for robbery. Investigators believe the drug deal may have been a setup.
Phone data revealed searches connected to nearby streets, and the victims’ vehicle pinged locations close to where the Silverado linked to the Preciados was later found. When officers located the truck at a residence, Ramon Preciado reportedly acknowledged he knew why they were there and directed them toward his son.
Police said Ramon later admitted to helping move and dispose of the bodies.
Community Impact and Final Sentence
The murders deeply affected the local community, particularly given Soto’s advanced pregnancy. The loss of the unborn child added another layer of heartbreak to an already devastating case.
With the capital murder conviction, Christopher Preciado has been sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors said while no punishment can undo the pain endured by the victims’ families, the verdict ensures accountability.
The case against Ramon Preciado remains pending, and authorities have stated that investigations into the full sequence of events continue.
For Soto and Guerra’s families, the sentencing brings a measure of closure — but the grief of losing two young lives, along with a child who never had the chance to be born, remains immeasurable.
