An Austin man who ran over and killed a 14-year-old boy while driving a stolen car in Round Rock in 2022 has been sentenced to 80 years in prison, officials said. A Williamson County jury has found 28-year-old Leandro Brito-Martinez guilty of murder in the death of Tobias “Victor” Soto.
The incident occurred on July 31, 2022, after Round Rock police received information through a law enforcement traffic camera system about a stolen vehicle traveling westbound on Gattis School Road, the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.
Officers located the vehicle in the La Frontera area, activated their emergency lights and attempted to stop the driver, later identified as Brito-Martinez, the release said. Brito-Martinez began driving nearly 100 mph and weaving through traffic on Louis Henna Boulevard, the news release said.
“Despite the efforts of Round Rock Police to retreat, the vehicle ran a red light, struck another car at the intersection and subsequently killed 14-year-old Tobias Soto, who was walking in the intersection,” officials said . .
More: ‘I can’t imagine my life without him’: Round Rock mother laments son Victor Soto’s death
Brito-Martinez fled on foot but was later arrested by Round Rock police, the release said. He said he saw police behind him before they tried to stop him and that “he was going to run regardless of police action,” the release said. It said the entire incident happened within seconds and spanned less than a quarter of a mile.
Tobias’ mother, who lived in a nearby apartment complex, had not heard from her son, who had gone to visit a friend, officials said. His phone showed him at the intersection of Louis Henna Drive and Texas 45, the release said. “As she approached the intersection, she observed the first responders and was told of the horrific outcome of Brito-Martinez’s actions,” the news release said.
More: Driver fleeing Round Rock police killed a 14-year-old pedestrian, officials say
Soto was going to be a freshman at Round Rock High School, where he wanted to play football, his mother said.
Brito-Martinez has a lengthy arrest record, including convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest. At the time of this murder, Brito-Martinez was facing pending charges of fleeing a police officer, evading/resisting arrest and assaulting a public servant.
“Our hearts go out to Tobias’ mother and family, as well as all the first responders and witnesses to this horrific event,” District Attorney Shawn Dick said. “Every case in which a child dies takes an immeasurable toll. This conviction is a testament to the tireless efforts of our law enforcement and prosecution teams. Brito-Martinez’s actions resulted in a senseless tragedy, and today’s verdict ensures he is held accountable. My office remains committed to justice for the victims and their families.”
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin man gets 80 years in prison for murder of Round Rock teen
