The Latest Breaking News from José Garza

Abbott’s public safety wish list includes statewide prosecutor, more bail restrictions

Some items on Abbott's agenda would require amending the Texas Constitution, meaning they would need supermajority support in the Legislature.

The Texas Tribune · May 14

DA won’t refer police who killed Austin shooter to grand jury

Travis County District Attorney José Garza faced intense criticism over a policy that would have sent the officers before a grand jury, before he said his office would not seek charges against “heroes.”

The Texas Tribune · Mar 3

No Injunction Against Prosecution for Taking Photo of Transgender Politician Washing Hands in Women's Restroom

So holds a Fifth Circuit panel, over a dissent. Note that part of the majority's rationale is that the photo would only violate the statute if the prosecution can show that defendant intended to invade privacy in a way "highly offensive to a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities."

Reason · Dec 9, 2025

In Austin, a Rare Prosecution over Worker Death in Trench Collapse

Travis County’s progressive DA has secured indictments for the 2021 death of Juan José Galvan Batalla, remembered as a “cheerful” hard worker and beloved sibling.

Texas Observer · Jan 22, 2025

Elon Musk steps into Texas legislative races with $1 million donation to business group

Musk has recently emerged as a key backer of GOP nominee Donald Trump, whose top allies in Texas are at war with the group that received Musk’s largesse.

The Texas Tribune · Oct 8, 2024

Convicted murderer released in the '90s agrees to life sentence on 2 new murder charges

A convicted murderer who was run out of several Texas cities when he was released early from prison in 1993 has pleaded guilty to two new murder charges in a deal that allows him to serve life in prison and avoid the death penalty

The Independent UK · Sep 30, 2024

Texas Governor's Pardon Of Army Sergeant Sparks Legal Controversy

Texas prosecutor challenges Governor's pardon of Army sergeant who shot BLM demonstrator, sparking legal battle with broader implications.

Top News · Jun 5, 2024

Travis County DA wants to overturn Abbott’s pardon of convicted murderer

Daniel Perry was pardoned more than a year after a jury convicted him of murdering police brutality demonstrator Garrett Foster in 2020.

The Texas Tribune · Jun 5, 2024

Prosecutor asks Texas court to reverse governor's pardon of man who fatally shot demonstrator

A prosecutor says he is asking the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to reverse the governor’s pardon of a former Army sergeant who was convicted of fatally shooting a Black Lives Matter demonstrator

The Independent UK · Jun 4, 2024

Abbott Pardons Killing by Racist Who Explicitly Texted Apparent Minor

The governor’s pardon proclamation did not address Daniel Perry's racist comments, stated desire to kill protesters, or inappropriate messages to a self-identified 16-year-old.

Texas Observer · May 17, 2024